Hassan Whiteside and Dwight Howard (Photo : Getty Images/Scott Haleran)
The Houston Rockets and Miami Heat are reportedly in the process of discussing a potential trade involving starting centers Dwight Howard and Hassan Whiteside.
SB Nation indicated that with the league only days away from its trading deadline, rumors abound that the Rockets and Heat are currently negotiating for a deal centered around Howard and Whiteside.
Citing New York Daily News' Frank Isola, the report said that the 30-year-old, eight-time All-Star "could be moved by Thursday's trade deadline" as Miami is said to be "talking with Houston about a deal that would include" the 26-year-old Whiteside.
Whiteside is in the final year of his two-year, $1.7 million contract with the Heat, which will make him potentially one of the most sought-after free agents this summer. He will receive less than a million dollars this season as compensation.
There were speculations that Whiteside is set to receive a maximum salary offer in July when he becomes an unrestricted free agent, which is something that Miami is allegedly not ready to give him, which is why they are shopping him around at this time.
The 7-foot former Marshall standout was quite a revelation for the Heat during the past two seasons with his highly-improved play. From averaging 1.6 points and 2.2 rebounds during the 2011-2012 season with Sacramento, his numbers skyrocketed to 11.8 points and 10.0 boards per game in 2014-2015 with Miami and then to 12.2 points and 11.0 rebounds in 45 games so far this season.
Meanwhile, the three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Howard is in the third year of his four-year, $87.6 million deal with the Rockets, but has a player option at the end of this season. He is set to earn $22.3 million this season and so it would be interesting to see how Miami and Houston will be able to pull off a deal because of the players' salaries.
Howard's game is on a decline, though, which maybe the reason why the Rockets are actively shopping him around this time.
The five-time All-NBA First Teamer had been adamant that he does not want to leave Houston and has said that he never requested for a trade.
However, NBC Sports' Pro Basketball Talk, citing ESPN's Chris Broussard, recently reported that Howard "would like to go to Atlanta, maybe Miami" if he is moved by the Rockets.
