Hassan Whiteside (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Miami Heat are still tightlipped about their intentions to keep Hassan Whiteside once the center hits free agency this summer.
Whiteside has revealed he has the intention to remain as a Heat next season, but the 7-foot shot-blocking center admitted there is no confirmation of a mutual feeling yet.
Whiteside, who is set to hit free agency this summer, said the Heat remain mum about their free agency plans this summer for him, although it is still too early for such talks, with Miami still in play for a playoff run in the Eastern Conference.
"They haven't talked about [free agency]," Whiteside said, reports the Miami Herald. "They want to see how far we get this season with this team. Playoffs will speak a lot."
"I hope [there's interest]. I like the organization. Pat Riley is always going to do a great job of adding people that are going to help you win. It's not hard to sell to come to Miami. You can always recruit great talent."
Whiteside has clearly shown his potential to become a max contract player this season after posting career-high averages of 13.9 points, 11.8 rebounds and a league-leading 3.7 blocks per game.
It would be fantastic for the Heat organization to keep Whiteside as part of the team's campaign next season, but they may have a hard time retaining their prized possession come free agency, with the center set to receive huge offers from NBA rivals.
Moreover, Whiteside's contract situation makes it difficult for the Heat to offer him a max contract without using the team's available cap space. If Miami intends to sign a top talented player for a max deal this summer, there is a chance the Heat would have lesser chance to retain Whiteside in their lineup.
But according to Jason Lieser of the Palm Beach Post, the Heat seems to incline in keeping Whiteside as the club's top priority signing in the summer. In fact, Heat president Pat Riley has been marveling about Whiteside's transformation to stardom, although he admitted there will surely be competition come free agency.
"We've had some players that we've opened our eyes up on, but I think what Hassan did last year and what he's doing now, his level of play- it's just all about more experience, more reps, understanding how important he is for us," Riley said.
"But in my 50 years in the NBA, I have never seen that kind of phenomenon. I know this is hurting me right now as far as his free agency goes because I'm complimenting him, but he's grown a lot,"
