All U Can Heat
Fansided

Miami Heat: 5 potential trade destinations for Hassan Whiteside

By Rahmeaun Rahming

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 25: Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Miami Heat looks on during the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on November 25, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 25: Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Miami Heat looks on during the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on November 25, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 05: J.R. Smith #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles the ball under pressure from Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on December 5, 2015 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 05: J.R. Smith #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles the ball under pressure from Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on December 5, 2015 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) /

Cleveland Cavaliers
Outgoing: J.R. Smith and Jordan Clarkson

Where do we begin with this Cleveland Cavaliers squad?

A few weeks ago, it was reported that J.R. Smith and Kyle Korver were upset about their playing time, as well as the team’s direction, and requested to be traded.

Korver got his wish first, since more teams were interested in what he could bring to their roster.

Although the Philadelphia 76ers were often rumored to be in pursuit of Korver, the Utah Jazz were able to facilitate a deal surrounding shooting guard Alec Burks.

In the summer, the Cavaliers selected Alabama product Collin Sexton with the eighth overall pick in the draft. Team owner Dan Gilbert wanted him to get more playing time and so naturally, he did.

But unfortunately, it was at the expense of Smith’s minutes, who is currently not even with the team, in hopes of soon being moved elsewhere.

This Whiteside trade transaction works due to Smith’s abnormal contract situation, that allows his full $15.7 million 2019-20 salary, to be counted in trades (although it’s only partially guaranteed for $3.9 million).

Truthfully, this is probably the only thing that teams will be looking at when Smith’s name comes up in negotiations.

Since his contract was grandfathered in from the old CBA, his contract will be used as salary cap relief, and that’s precisely what the Heat need right row.

All they need to do is cut Smith loose before June, 30, 2019, and they’re in the clear.

The Heat will then see a decrease in payroll this season, as well as via being without Whiteside’s $27 million for next season.

This move will surely send the Cavaliers further into cap hell with $36 million split between George Hill and Tristan Thompson next season, but afterward, better horizons await for them.

And for those wondering about Jordan Clarkson being included the deal, although the Heat do not need another combo guard that takes a lot of shots, they could surely hold onto him to use as ammo for a future trade, maybe after the season has ended.

Home/Heat News