The Miami Heat is steadily pacing this regular season. Even though they had been one man out since LeBron James left the team, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh was still able to carry their team to the third spot this season. However, unlike their previous campaign without LBJ, this time around they have a form of reinforcement in the presence of Hassan Whiteside.
Whiteside has become a revelation for the Miami Heat. He has been displaying his defensive prowess all throughout the regular season. And though the playoff is quite different and relatively harsh for some teams, with Whiteside gaining some momentum, the Heat might likely have a chance for the Finals. However, the presence of Whiteside for the coming seasons may not be that promising for the Heat. For according to some rumors, as Whiteside trade value increases, he might opt to test the free agent market come the end of his contract next season. But such rumors involving Whiteside was quickly extinguished by the Heat. According to Pat Riley via gospelherald;
"I can guarantee you there have been no discussions about the BS that you have read in the newspapers the last couple of days. I like our team and I want to see where we're headed." Riley also added saying that, "I think we have a three-tiered team which is we have a group of great veterans, mid-aged veterans, and then we have youth. We have a lot of spirit. There's a lot of energy with our young guys. Probably some of our best defenders are our young players. They're trying to get their offensive games to match their defensive games."
The Miami Heat president was quick to dismiss the idea of Whiteside leaving their team, especially that there are some other teams like Sacramento Kings and Houston Rockets rumored to be interested of Whiteside. However, though the denial was quick, still it does not assure anything till a new contract has been signed. It can be remembered that Mario Chalmers was also involved in a trade rumor which was also denied by some NBA authorities before he was transferred to Memphis Grizzlies.
