The Los Angeles Lakers are currently at the bottom of the league standings once again. While the Kobe Bryant farewell tour is ongoing, most believe that the team is already preparing for life without their beloved superstar.
One potential trade candidate is star center of the Miami Heat Hassan Whiteside.
The Lakers have been known to be preparing for a major pitch to the defensive center during free agency. The Heat organization, on the other hand, could look to move the big man given his contract status. As si.com stated.
"Part of the rationale surrounding a Whiteside trade is that he is set to become an unrestricted free agent and the Heat do not hold his Bird rights, so they will not be able to go over the salary cap to retain him."
Though Whiteside is known to be loyal to the Heat, this contract situation could lead to him moving to a new team in the offseason. The Lakers are highly rumored to be his primary destination.
In addition to his pending free agency, Whiteside has been dealing with multiple altercations and has had disciplinary issues in his time with the Heat.
According to Bleacher Report, Whiteside has had multiple on-court altercations that have led to suspensions. He recently was suspended for elbowing San Antonio Spur Boban Marjanovic.
"That's something we'll deal with with Hassan," Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said about his starting center. "We don't condone that kind of play. We've been through this with him before. But it's a disappointing play. That's not a basketball play."
Even Heat superstar guard remarked on the incident.
"You never turn your back on your teammates," Wade admitted. "But, at the same time, you're not always in a position where you can grab somebody's hand and walk 'em through every step of the way. Sometimes you have to live your decisions that you make. He has to live with that. Whatever consequences come with it, he has to deal with it."
Experts believe that the Lakers could make a trade offer of Roy Hibbert, Julius Randle and Nick Young for the center.
