The NBA trade rumors and predictions persist as the New Year starts and the trade deadline draws closer.
By January 15, almost all trade restrictions are lifted and there are at least a dozen team interested in making a move. Add the fact that so many big men are available via trade.
The situation may be exactly what Danny Ainge of the Boston Celtics is looking for. So many centers are on the block: Nerlens Noel, Andrew Bogut, Greg Monroe, to name a few and pundits insists that the biggest name of all-DeMarcus Cousins is also changing jerseys.
However, Ainge is determined to go after the big names. After all, that's what his asset accumulation is for and that's why the Celts were always associated with Cousins. But there might be another name on Ainge's wish list.
In a list on Sporting News, they allege that big man Hassan Whiteside could be traded to facilitate the rebuild that Pat Riley envisions.
"The Heat are flailing, and the consensus among league executives is that they'll be willing to deal off veterans in order to retool around younger guys. Of course, there are not many veterans to be had on the roster outside of Whiteside and point guard Goran Dragic, who is very much open to a trade out of Miami," the item stated.
They do admit that it would be more difficult for Riley to trade Whiteside but "rebuild" is the magic word for Ainge. If they offer both Brooklyn Nets' picks (swap in '17, unprotected in '18) that would be the easiest ticket for getting two quality players, especially in a loaded draft this year.
The Whiteside rumors already persisted since last month, as previously reported. It's hard to imagine bitter Conference Rivals (not to mention Ainge and Riley were both involved in the Lakers-Celtics feuds in the 80s). A Fansided feature scrutinized the pros and cons of the Heat trading Whiteside.
The most likely outcome is that the Heat trade Dragic and keep Whiteside, but the onus will be on Whiteside to recruit a free agent to Miami. Is he enough of a draw to convince stars like Chris Paul or Blake Griffin or even Kevin Durant to head East?
If Riley doubts that and the Celtics dangle both Brooklyn picks, Ainge may finally nab his big man.