The Miami Heat will have to make big decisions this summer, which will dictate how the franchise will run in the next several seasons, but it appears one of their possible cornerstones will likely stay put.
Hassan Whiteside revealed that he wants to stay with the Miami Heat despite the fact that he will get a lot of tempting contract offers in the offseason.
According to the Miami Herald, one opposing NBA general manager said that Whiteside could get at least $18 million a year, while there are also officials who believe the 26-year-old deserves a maximum deal.
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While he will have a chance to get a bigger paycheck elsewhere, Whiteside said that staying with the Heat is his main priority. The former Marshall standout said that he wants to win and he believes he can do it in Miami.
However, Whiteside said that the Heat have yet to reach to him about his impending free agency, expressing belief that team officials will map out a plan depending on their performance in the playoffs.
"They want to see how far we get this season with this team. Playoffs will speak a lot," Whiteside said. "I hope [there's interest]. I like the organization. Pat Riley is always going to do a great job of adding people that are going to help you win. It's not hard to sell to come to Miami. You can always recruit great talent."
Whiteside is averaging double-double this season with 13.9 points and 11.8 rebounds to go along with 3.7 blocks per game. The fourth-year center has helped the Heat maintain strong playoff chances, as they are currently fifth in the Eastern Conference.
The Miami Herald report added that the Heat could eventually lose Whiteside to another team if they successfully acquire Kevin Durant, who will also become a free agent this summer. It is worth noting, though, that the Durant-to-Miami scenario is highly unlikely at this point.
Durant is expected to draw the interest of several teams, including the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Washington Wizards and the Boston Celtics. The Oklahoma City Thunder are also expected to make a strong push to keep the former NBA Most Valuable Player.
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