Miami Heat: Top 3 Hassan Whiteside trade destinations

2. Phoenix Suns

Considering the merry-go-round situation the Suns have employed at the center position thus far this season, acquiring Whiteside would at least put an end to the current dramas.

Throughout the season, each of Tyson Chandler, Alex Len and Greg Monroe have been the given the starting center role, while also accumulating multiple DNP-CDs (Did Not Play – Coach’s Decision.) Such a scenario is clearly not viable in the long-term, and hence an end to the madness would be highly beneficial for all parties involved.

With Monroe’s current $17.9 million contract expiring at the end of the season, he is certainly the most attractive of the trio for the Heat to target in a potential trade. In the short-term, Monroe would provide the Heat with a veteran backup big whom can give them a significant scoring punch when needed. Long-term, he would provide the Heat significant breathing space in their salary cap moving forward.

Furthermore, the Heat would be acquiring the highly talented but wildly inconsistent forward Marquese Chriss. The No. 8 overall pick in 2016, Chriss has shown flashes of brilliance, with his unparalleled level of athleticism combined with his ability to shoot from long-range making him a tantalizing prospect. But at still just 20 years of age, Chriss has a long way to go in terms of his maturity and consistency. Hence, the Heat franchise represents as a terrific landing spot for such a precocious talent.

Just take the following excerpt from his scouting report entering the draft from the highly reputable Draft Express:

"He is undoubtedly a long-term project with tremendous tools, but will need to find the right situation and coaching staff to find success down the road. With that said, his tremendous frame, combined with his ability to shoot 3-pointers and make freakishly athletic plays will steal many hearts in the NBA pre-draft workout process (and beyond)."

In order to make the salaries balance, the Heat would receive veteran stretch-4 Jared Dudley, whose $10 million annual salary still has a year to run after this season.

In addition to Whiteside, the Suns would also be receiving combo guard Tyler Johnson. Not only does Johnson provide the Suns with a terrific spark as either a starter or a reserve, it also relieves the Heat owing Johnson the final two years and $38.5 million of his current deal. While the loss of Johnson would certainly be a dent in the Heat’s rotation, their current depth in the backcourt should help erase any doubts moving forward.