5 trades to get Kemba Walker the help he deserves

Miami, much like the rest of the Southeast Division, is in a position to usher in change.

Hassan Whiteside’s roller-coaster career and path to the NBA are truly unique. His numbers — on the surface — look strong. He averages nearly 14-and-14 while chipping in 3 blocks on a nightly basis. However, pulling back the curtain reveals the Heat are almost 7 points better with him off the court.

Once Whiteside signed his extension, it immediately backfired for the Heat, becoming one of the most onerous and ominous contracts in the league. The hypothesis that Miami should trade him is at near-consensus. The team also deploys an über-efficient big in Bam Adebayo, whose +8.4 on/off point differential suggests he should be their starter.

Whiteside’s value may be at its lowest point so just clearing him and his $27 million 2019-20 player option off the books could be addition by subtraction for the Heat. Cody Zeller and Bismack Biyombo are both useful in their own ways and would provide depth off the bench.

The Hornets need star power. Whiteside, for his faults, would bring some to the table. Who knows, maybe the fresh start would rekindle his competitive flame and transform him back into the player he was before signing that extension. Never underestimate the effect a change of scenery can have on a player in turmoil. Even if Charlotte would need to throw in a second-round pick, this is the type of risk-reward trade they should be looking to make.