Potential replacement No. 3: Hassan Whiteside
In a potential deal involving Hassan Whiteside, the New York Knicks would get a very cheap option from a team that’s struggling to find its identity. The Sacramento Kings signed Whiteside on a minimum contract for the season, in a deal that surprised many NBA fans.
Within the span of a few months, Whiteside went from being a starter on the Portland Trail Blazers during their 2020 playoff run and the league’s leader in blocks per game to backing up Richaun Holmes in Sacramento.
It is obvious to the naked eye, that the Kings do not value Whiteside all that highly. As a result, it seems like the door is open for any trade suitors that are in need of a center, and as fate has it, that includes the New York Knicks.
This season, Whiteside is averaging 8.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game in just 14.8 minutes of playing time. His talents appear to be wasted and he could easily adapt to a bigger role as the one Thibodeau offers to his starters.
Whiteside is coming off an incredible game against the Brooklyn Nets, where he had 26 points, 16 rebounds and 5 blocks on 12-for-15 shooting while being on the floor for just 23 minutes. If that isn’t enough to convince general managers to go after him, then nothing will.