As stated in a report from Oregon Live, Hassan Whiteside was initially set to meet with three different teams as he entered free agency but the player has confirmed that he is staying with the Miami Heat. He was set to meet with with the Portland Trail Blazers but had already announced his decision. He did get to meet with the Dallas Mavericks.
"I've played on eight teams since college - from Reno to Sioux Falls to Sichuan, China. I am not ready for there to be a ninth." Whiteside explained, via The Players Tribune. "I have decided to re-sign with Miami. I just wanted to take this time to tell all the fans how much you mean to this team, and to me."
It is further stated that Whiteside signed a 4-year contract, prolonging his term with the Miami Heat, for a contract of $98 million. However, it is indicated but not yet confirmed that he may have agreed to a lower amount if it would mean the Heat get the chance of signing on Okalahoma City Thunder superstar Kevin Durant.
According to the Herald, this may allow the Heat to have more money than originally planned to sign on Durant. Durant already had a meeting with the Thunder and the Golden State Warriors and is currently scheduled to meet with the LA Clippers, Boston Celtics and the San Antonio Spurs before he meets up with the Miami Heat this Sunday, July 3.
The report continues to explain that Whiteside may have agreed to a contract $10 million less but if the Heat sign back Dwyane Wade for his optimal $20 million then they will need to trade another player or two for absolutely nothing in order to have enough just to have the budget to afford Kevin Durant.
It is noted that this is a movement of good faith on Whiteside and may be a sign of his future relationship with the Miami Heat.
