The Lakers plan to make a strong push this offseason to sign unrestricted free agent Hassan Whiteside, Marc Stein of ESPN.com relays. While Los Angeles is still hopeful to land a face-to-face meeting with Kevin Durant when the free agent signing period commences, it is said to be highly intrigued by Whiteside’s nightly double-double potential, Stein adds.
With the Lakers seeking rim protection and perimeter shooting in the free agent market this summer, league sources inform Stein that Whiteside is now a “priority target” for the team. Of course, the Lakers won’t be the only team lining up to make a pitch to the 27-year-old. The Heat would certainly like to re-sign the big man, but cap flexibility is an issue in Miami and could prevent the two sides from working out an acceptable agreement. The Heat have only early Bird rights on Whiteside, meaning they must use cap space to sign him for more than the league average salary and cannot offer a fifth year on his deal. A maximum contract for Whiteside would be a projected $94.8MM over four years, as Stein notes.
The Mavericks are also reportedly prioritizing Whiteside, the Celtics have been mentioned as potential suitors and one would think the Knicks would get involved in the bidding given their cap space and major hole at the pivot after shipping out Robin Lopez in the deal to acquire Derrick Rose from the Bulls.
In 73 appearances this season for the Heat, Whiteside averaged 14.2 points, 11.8 rebounds and 3.7 blocks in 29.1 minutes per outing. His shooting line was .606/.000/.650.
I believe they will go after every decent Center out there
Their best bet Is Biyombo.
He doesn’t play great team defense. Look at his on/off for defense. Heat were better when Bosh was on the floor. He needs maturity around him, Lakers would need to sign some vets considering the potential five would be Russell-Clarkson-Ingram-Randle-Whiteside. That’s probably the youngest starting five in the NBA and would be important to have vets unlike vets like Young and Williams.
I agree. I honestly would rather have them bring in Horford. I also think they should look at bringing in a veteran SF who can split time at SF with Ingram. Maybe try to pry DeRozan away from signing with the Raptors and have DeRozan split time at SF and SG.
You hit on a great point with maturity. I think ANY team that has a second overall one and done kid, HW and someone like Russell needs a strong mentor around them. That’s just asking for accidents waiting to happen without a veteran. I can see Hassan becoming the same type of mature player DeMarcus Cousins is without good leadership but with it, he could be more like Zach Randolph.
Deng
Whiteside would be a great sign…but I do agree that they need some vets, with high character, in this locker room. So…if they get a Whiteside and another 2/3 combo guy like Evan Turner or Kent Bazemore, then try to re-sign Brandon Bass, and/or go after Jeff Green, Anthony Tolliver, and DJ Augustin to give them veteran depth in both the front and backcourt.
Cavs could trade them Love as well. Sign n trade Clarkson. Ship Randle off for a defensive 2 guard.
Whiteside
Love
DurIngram
someone
Russell
No idea why the Cavs would possibly want to trade Love for Clarkson. Like Ingram’s new name though!
Good thought. Impressing Whiteside with the opportunity to grow with a younger nucleus. MK has his work to do