The New York Knicks have been longing for a superstar center ever since the NBA Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing left the team. With the exception of Carmelo Anthony and budding star Kristaps Porzingis, the team has no other potential NBA All-Stars. This could all change if the team was able to land much improved player Hassan Whiteside.
As per sunsentinel.com, rumors of Whiteside being traded by the Miami Heat have been rampant as his contract situation could lead Miami to possibly explore moving him. According to si.com, "Part of the rationale surrounding a Whiteside trade is that he is set to become an unrestricted free agent and the Heat do not hold his Bird rights, so they will not be able to go over the salary cap to retain him."
Whiteside has emerged as a dominant inside force as he leads the league in blocks while putting up 12.5 points and 10.6 rebounds per game.
Certainly, the Heat organization are keeping mum about the situation. "I can guarantee you there have been no discussions about the BS that you have read in the newspapers the last couple of days," Heat president Pat Riley said about the trade rumors. "I like our team and I want to see where we're headed."
Whiteside is also not allowing these rumors to distract him. "A lot of people are speculating," Whiteside said. "I just keep playing basketball every day. I'm just going to keep coming in and doing the same thing I've been doing."
Head coach Erik Spoelstra also spoke about handling trade rumors. "You just have to address it at the beginning of the year, and then to remind guys that it's all noise," the head coach said. "You almost don't want to address it, because it's so unsubstantiated, where the source came from, that you're just highlighting that even more.
Despite the Heat's statements, sources have said that with the salary cap issue and the likelihood they lose Whiteside for nothing, the Knicks seem to be the front runner to trade for the center. With Porzingis as a blooming star and now a beloved icon in New York,
Carmelo Anthony has become expendable especially with his bloated contract. Experts believe that the Heat would consider trading Whiteside for Anthony if Melo is willing to waive his no trade clause.
