Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside. (Photo : Getty Images)
Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside recently commented that he wants a quick end to his impending free-agency, saying that he does not "think it's about loyalty".
The 27-year-old big man and the NBA's shot blocks leader last season had just finished his bargain two-year, $1.75 million contract with the Heat that earned him less than a million dollars in both years.
After his impressive performances in Miami these last two seasons when he averaged career-highs in almost all statistical categories, NBA pundits believe that he is set to receive a maximum salary offer, or at least close to max, when he becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
Several teams, such as the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, and Portland Trail Blazers are said to be ready to offer him his worth with the Hollywood squad allegedly preparing a $22 million dollar a year bid this summer.
Whiteside recently called himself a "businessman that plays basketball", which prompted some analysts to speculate that he is set to choose to join the team that will offer him the highest price regardless of anything.
And he also said that he wants to get it done as soon as possible, on the first day of free-agency if possible.
"July 1, hopefully, I'll know. I hope it's an easy decision to make," said Whiteside, as per AP's the Big Story.
When asked whether "money, location, surrounding talent or something else" is his main consideration when choosing his future team, the former Marshall standout said that it is a combination of several things.
"It's a toss-up," he said. "It's a lot of things that come into it. It's not one specific thing. It's like you having a wife. You can't say one specific thing you like about her. You've just got to like her as a whole. I've got to choose it all together. All the dots have to connect."
Whiteside has specifically mentioned something about "loyalty", though, that would make one wonder whether he is looking forward to staying in Miami or not.
"I really don't think it's about loyalty. I think it's about the best situation for myself and that's what I think it is," he said, via Yahoo Sports.
