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2019 NBA Trade Deadline: 3 teams that should trade for Hassan Whiteside

By Simon Smith

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 10: Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Miami Heat reacts against the Boston Celtics at American Airlines Arena on January 10, 2019 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 10: Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Miami Heat reacts against the Boston Celtics at American Airlines Arena on January 10, 2019 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

2. Atlanta Hawks

Ranking just ahead of the Knicks with a 14-30 record, the Atlanta Hawks are also set for another trip to the lottery. While the Knicks’ immediate intentions moving forward are unclear, the Hawks are squarely in a rebuilding phase.

Already armed with three first round selections in 2019, adding another one to their treasure trove can only assist in the rebuild of the franchise. Currently, the Hawks have six impending free agents this offseason, and thus have numerous options when it comes to exchanging expiring deals for future assets.

One of those on an expiring deal is center Dewayne Dedmon. Now in his sixth season, the 29-year-old was signed to a two-year deal in Atlanta in the summer of 2017. Therefore, he is hardly a building block moving forward, and thus very unlikely to be re-signed. That being the case, using Dedmon’s expiring deal to their benefit would be wise on the part of the Hawks.

Another expiring deal is that of guard Jeremy Lin. Now on his seventh team, the 30-year-old Lin has still demonstrated at times this season what he’s capable of producing when healthy.

With the Hawks far from being in a position to attract significant players in the free agent market, acquiring Whiteside for a short-term stint makes a great deal of sense considering what they have coming back in return. With the Hawks ranked 24th defensive rating this season, bringing aboard a legitimate shot-blocker and interior presence such as Whiteside would do their fortunes no harm in the short-term.

In all, the Heat receive a couple of cagey veterans for the remainder of the season, while the Hawks receive an additional first round draft selection and take a short-term flier on the enigmatic Whiteside.