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NBA Free Agency 2016: 5 best fits for Hassan Whiteside

By Charles Rahrig V

Apr 1, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) reacts during the game against the Sacramento Kings in the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Miami won 112-106. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) reacts during the game against the Sacramento Kings in the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Miami won 112-106. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 11, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Miami Heat guard Josh Richardson (0) celebrates after hitting a three-point shot against the Toronto Raptors in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Heat 99-91. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
May 11, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Miami Heat guard Josh Richardson (0) celebrates after hitting a three-point shot against the Toronto Raptors in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Heat 99-91. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Miami Heat

The Miami Heat are in a unique spot with Hassan Whiteside because they don’t have his “Bird Rights” in free agency. That means they can’t count on him as a cap hold and wait to sign him to go over their allotted space.

They also can’t guarantee him more money than any other destination as well in free agency. Because of all of this, there is a very real chance that Whiteside moves on and leaves in free agency.

The Heat are in a tough spot right now, because they don’t have Dwyane Wade locked up, they’re trying to sign Kevin Durant and Whiteside wants to find a new home quick and get the entire process of being a free agent over with.

Still, if the Heat is getting an indication early that they aren’t in on Durant, then they should look to sign their big man back and try to get a deal done with Wade. Even though they may not be the favorites, they still should have a shot at re-signing him.

However, if they go all in on Durant and that process drags out as expected, they can bank on Whiteside signing somewhere else and finding a new home next year.

Next: 1. Portland Trail Blazers

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