2019 NBA free agency: 5 players in need of a change of scenery

CHAPEL HILL, NC - SEPTEMBER 28: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics moves the ball against Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets in the first quarter of a preseason game at Dean Smith Center on September 28, 2018 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. 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. The Hornets won 104-97. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

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4. Hassan Whiteside

Ever since re-signing with the Miami Heat on a four-year, $98 million contract in the summer of 2016, Hassan Whiteside has struggled to recapture the magic he showed early in his time down in South Beach.

Both his points and rebounds have declined each year. Whiteside has also had numerous occasions in which he’s publicly complained about his role within head coach Erik Spoelstra’s system, even earning himself a fine for comments made this past April.

He’s a moody player who believes Miami’s offense should run through him. Yet he’s shown little to no post game and clearly doesn’t seem to understand the trends of a downsized modern NBA. Given the emergence of 21-year-old center Bam Adebayo, Whiteside’s tenure with the Heat looks like it’ll come to an end one way or another pretty soon.

For all the negativity he may bring into the locker room, Whiteside doesn’t totally lack in production. He was one of only eight players last season to average more than 11.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. Four of those eight were All-Stars. One is a recent two-time All-Star and another is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year.

Whiteside clearly has the physical tools to be a tremendous defensive weapon and the athleticism to be a rim-running threat. It’s just a matter of whether or not he can come to some self-realization in order to maximize his talent.

The Heat have his replacement waiting in the wings and Whiteside has a player option worth roughly $27.1 million, which he will reportedly pick up. He won’t get that type of figure anywhere else, but if he wants to get back to making a difference on the court, it may be in his best interest to veer off course and hit the open market to find his next chapter.