5 players the Miami Heat can sign if Hassan Whiteside leaves

Nov 9, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Miami Heat forward Luol Deng (9) and center Chris Bosh (1) box out Dallas Mavericks center Tyson Chandler (6) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Heat defeated the Mavericks 105-96. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Miami Heat forward Luol Deng (9) and center Chris Bosh (1) box out Dallas Mavericks center Tyson Chandler (6) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Heat defeated the Mavericks 105-96. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
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December 25, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors center Festus Ezeli (31) during the fourth quarter in a NBA basketball game on Christmas against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 89-83. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 25, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors center Festus Ezeli (31) during the fourth quarter in a NBA basketball game on Christmas against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 89-83. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

2. Festus Ezeli

Much like Biyombo, Ezeli would be somewhat of a risky option. Having never been a starter, it would be a lot for the Heat to expect Ezeli to suddenly step in as a starting center for a championship-hopeful team.

The 26-year-old bigman doesn’t bring much offensively, but he’s proven himself as an impactful defender and impressive athlete. He’s not the sexiest choice, but in a star-depleted free agency, Ezeli could be a savvy pick.

Next: 1. The Whale