The deal: Four years, $98 million dollars. The fourth year is a player option.
Analysis: With Whiteside, it’s all about potential. Last year was his first full year in the NBA. While Whiteside has always possessed the talent, it took an organization like the Heat to reign in his personality and bring out the talent. Like every second year player, there is room for Whiteside to grow, especially in making ‘winning plays’. What’s amazing is that Whiteside already averaged 14.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks in only 29 minutes per game. In the worse case scenario, if Whiteside has peaked, his contract is only a slight overpay. On the other hand, Whiteside could easily become a 20 point, 10 rebound, 3 block player for the next 4-5 years. He could be a cornerstone around which to build a franchise. Whiteside is in his physical prime and should maintain his performance for the next 4-5 years. Although it was expensive, the Heat couldn’t afford to lose Whiteside’s potential – he just might be the most sought after commodity in the NBA, a game changing player.
On-court Impact: Game changing (potentially)
Grade: A
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