The Miami Heat are tipped as the likely destination for soon-to-be free agents Hassan Whiteside and David West, according to the latest NBA rumors.
The Heat head into the offseason with limited cap space to pursue top free agents, including the team's own free agents, Whiteside and Dwyane Wade. With Wade seemingly the priority for the Heat, the team will have less money to offer Whiteside, who have strong intentions of seeking a max contract this summer.
However, Hoops Habit writer Colby Giacubeno still believes Whiteside could end up in Miami after the 27-year-old center established himself as a key cog in the team's success this season.
"If the Heat are able to work something out and sign Whiteside, it would be their best chances of staying competitive in the Eastern Conference," Giacubeno wrote.
"Head coach Erik Spoelstra and Whiteside have butted heads a number of times, but it looked as if once the playoffs came around, the two started gelling better-mainly because Whiteside was becoming more disciplined on the court."
Whiteside has certainly became a force in the paint on both ends of the floor. His breakout season with the Heat saw him averaged a staggering double-double of 14.2 points and 11.8 rebounds to come along with 3.7 blocks per contest.
However, the Heat do not have Whiteside's full Bird rights, which means the team would not be able to exceed the salary cap by signing him. But considering Pat Riley's ability to make bold moves, Heat fans can still hope of seeing Whiteside playing for the two-time NBA champs.
Meanwhile, David West could be another free agent the Heat may land once the market opens in July, according to John Buhler of Sports Illustrated's Fansided.
"If there is one place that West should hope to land in 2016 NBA free agency, it is with the Heat. Miami has a terrific basketball culture and is a marquee free agent destination," Buhler wrote.
West took less money last year, signing a two-year $3 million contract with the San Antonio Spurs in hopes to win an NBA championship. The 35-year-old power forward, who opted out of his contract with the Spurs, played very limited minutes for the Spurs, while averaging 7.1 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, far from his contributions when he was still playing for the Indiana Pacers.
Even without Chris Bosh, the Heat were able to make the playoffs and almost had a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals. If West truly intends to win a championship, his best shot would be joining contenders in the East and the Heat could be the fitting destination for his hopes of an NBA ring.