NBA Rumors: Disgruntled Miami Heat Center Hints At Wanting To Join Hornets

There are plenty of teams in need of a big man with Anthony Davis being the main man at the moment. Of course, there are other names expected to be available in the NBA offseason, one of which is Hassan Whiteside of the Miami Heat. He along with Goran Dragic is expected to pick up the player option of their contract although this does not mean both will be staying in South Beach.

Faced with the inevitable task of crunching numbers, the Heat are looking to move close to $75 million in salaries and get players who can deliver. Aside from Dragic and Whiteside, other names that could be moving out of Miami include Dion Waiters and James Johnson. Much of this was covered in a previous post, including options that team president Pat Riley and head coach Erik Spoelstra may want to consider.

Whiteside, a defensive demon if he keeps his mind in the game, is someone that other NBA teams had wanted a couple of years back. Unfortunately, his performance dipped and the frustration boiled over. Heading into the 2019-20 NBA wars, he is expected to be shipped somewhere although it remains unclear where. But if his recent social media post is any indication, it looks like the 29-year-old has his sights set moving to Charlotte.

Further supporting this feasible destination is the fact that the second round draft pick of the 2010 NBA Draft is from Gastonia, North Carolina. But for that to materialize, the Hornets would need to find a way to accommodate his hefty $27 million contract. The Hornets are expected to go over the salary cap next season, meaning the only plausible way for Whiteside to come in is if he is a free agent. As of this writing, the Michael Jordan-owned franchise has yet to express interest in landing the big man, Fan Sided reported.

Alternatively, the 7-footer can also choose to opt out of his contract although he stands to lose big money. The best the Hornets can offer him is their whole mid-level exception which may need three years to recoup to what he would be due next season. Hence, it all boils down to what Whiteside decides. He could opt in and see if Miami gets feasible NBA trade partners or opt out and take the risk to see which team picks him up but likely for less money in NBA free agency.