Miami Heat: Five back up options if Hassan Whiteside leaves

Hassan Whiteside will be one of the most sought free agents, so how do the Miami Heat replace him if he leaves?

NBA free agency is set to begin in the coming weeks. In a crowded nest of talented free agents, sits Miami’s break out young star Hassan Whiteside. The 27-year-old seven-footer is coming off a career season in terms of impact and numbers, and is set to get a lucrative contract this offseason.

As of now, Whiteside is being heavily pursued by both the Dallas Mavericks and L.A. Lakers, two franchises with good financial history. Rumors and hoaxes are already swirling the twitter-sphere, there was even a screenshot of a fake conversation between a supposed Whiteside and a female companion, which turned out to be completely photo shopped.

Both Pat Riley and the Miami Heat have made it clear, they want Whiteside back for the upcoming season, and for years to come.

When the Heat brought Whiteside out of the D-League two years ago, one could guess they had no idea what they were actually getting. Would his attitude get in the way? Have his skills as a big man developed enough to be successful with the big boys?

When his number was finally called midway through the 2014-15 season, Whiteside seized the opportunity, averaging a double-double in 48 games played. 2015-16 turned out to be even better, as Whiteside led the league in shot-blocking at a rate of 3.7 swats per game, numbers not seen in over a decade. He also was top 10 in player efficiency rating and boasted a field goal percentage  of better than 60 percent.

There’s no doubt the Arisons will need to open their checkbook to keep him in South Florida, and they were well aware of it.

The crazy thing about free agency, is you never know what’s going to happen, and Whiteside could very well depart this summer. Here are five “back up” plans if the Heat are without his services for this upcoming campaign.

Next: 5. Dwight Howard