A lot of teams are all up on Hassan Whiteside for free agency, determined to get the Miami Heat center. But NBA trade rumors claim that fighting intensely for the big man are the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics.
Basketball Insiders, however, believes that Whiteside, who is considered two of the most in demand free agent this offseason, "gets a lot of interest beyond those two suitors."
However, the Lakers are expected to bring it all in as he is deemed one of the most important targets of the franchise and is part of an ambitious plan for its roster next season.
Inquisitr says that the Lakers are looking to acquire both Whiteside and Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Kevin Durant, who becomes a free agent for the first time. Salary cap would not be a problem for the purple and gold.
However, the Celtics, who owns eight selections for the NBA draft this year, are also expected to fight a long hard fight in bringing Whiteside in by trading one of theirs to his team.
The Miami Heat, on the other hand, already eyes on various players that can be replacements for Whiteside. The franchise is expected to go for the likes of Al Horford, Joakim Noah and Dwight Howard.
Apart from Whiteside's possible exit via the trade, the Miami Heat has a lot to worry about. Chris Bosh's health is still a big concern as well as the status of its overall lineup.
For Ira Winderman of South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Dwyane Wade and Josh Richardson "are the only locks" while Tyler Johnson can be considered "the third-most-likely player to stay," but could still leave if the price offered is right.
On the other hand, Justise Winslow, Goran Dragic, Bosh and Josh McRoberts are "under guaranteed contract" to the team for next season. Winderman, however, said that Winslow can still be considered a "potential trade sweetener" while the rest are likely to stay with the Heat.
"Beyond that, everyone and anyone either does not have fully guaranteed money or is a free agent," Winderman said.
