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NBA Trade Rumors: Trade Priorities For All 30 Teams

By Aaron Ferguson

Jan 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) runs up the court against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) runs up the court against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 19, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) celebrates against the Milwaukee Bucks at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Duyos-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) celebrates against the Milwaukee Bucks at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Duyos-USA TODAY Sports /

Miami Heat

The Miami Heat are contending in the Eastern Conference thanks to a healthy Dwayne Wade. Center Hassan Whiteside has been an instrumental part of the team’s success with his defensive prowess. Whiteside will be an unrestricted free agent after the season and will likely get a maximum contract, so the Heat have to weigh their options and consider trading him.

The Heat have a lot of depth and got a lot of experience for their younger players when dealing with injuries. Forward Amar’e Stoudemire made one of the better impressions when Whiteside had to miss time, as the Heat didn’t skip a beat. The development of rookie Justise Winslow’s game pairs well with Gerald Green’s scoring ability with the second unit.

Related Story: NBA Trade Rumors: 5 Landing Spots For Hassan Whiteside

All around the Heat don’t have many holes, as long as they stay healthy. But if, or maybe it’s when, they decide to trade Whiteside, expect them to target a center or point guard. Acquiring a center that can play around the rim to pair with Chris Bosh, who likes to play outside the paint, is the ideal situation.

An ideal candidate in a deal for Whiteside would be Marcin Gortat from the Wizards. Gortat isn’t a guy that’s a serious offensive threat, but he is a tenacious rebounder and good defender. He’s athletic and able to alter shots. Zaza Pachulia is another strong rebounder that could make an impact on the defensive end. While he’s not a shot blocker, Pachulia knows how to get in great position defensively.

Adding a center in a deal for Whiteside allows the Heat to get something in return for a player who may not re-sign with the Heat following the end of the season. The Heat could be content to risk Whiteside walking after the season and try to compete with him. Miami has plenty of options thanks to their depth and experience.

Next: Pass The Buck?