The Miami Heat have reportedly made a huge move early in the free agency period. No, the team hasn’t landed Kevin Durant.
Instead, all indications seem to be that Miami has found a way to retain young center Hassan Whiteside on a max contract.
Whiteside announced the decision himself on The Players’ Tribune Friday morning, putting to rest any ideas that he might be leaving for greener pastures.
“I’ve played on eight teams since college — from Reno to Sioux Falls to Sichuan, China.I am not ready for there to be a ninth,” the young big man wrote. “I have decided to re-sign with Miami. I just wanted to take this time to tell all the fans how much you mean to this team, and to me. Can’t wait to get back to work and try to bring another championship to Miami.”
This is an absolutely huge move for a Heat team that’s looking to do everything possible to remain relevant in the Eastern Conference.
According to various reports, the deal will be worth around $98 million over four seasons.
Whiteside, a former second-round pick of the Sacramento Kings, had a breakout campaign for the Heat last season, averaging 14.2 points, 11.8 rebounds and a league-leading 3.7 blocks per game.
It had been reported on Thursday that the Mavericks were prepared to offer the young center a max contract. Based on this most-recent report, that seems to be the case.
However, Whiteside decided that remaining in South Beach was his best move.