The shot-blocking big man of the Miami Heat, Hassan Whiteside may be seen in a different NBA city as he is rumored to be heading to the Portland Trail Blazers as of the latest trade reports.
Based on the most recent sports headlines, Whiteside has been part of the many proposed trade deals as of late, wherein now, the Trail Blazers is said to be interested in his services. It is rumored that he will be sent to the "Rip City" before the trade deadline.
It is to no shock that the Miami Heat are struggling this season after the loss of Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. "The Flash" is now playing for the Chicago Bulls while Bosh is now sidelined due to health issues.
However, Whiteside has now emerged to become a future all-star and one of the best big man in the league. He is leading their team in three categories, where he is recording 16.8 points, 14.9 rebounds and 2.5 blocks.
It is said that the Heat will not make it to the playoffs this season. It is up to the management whether they'll build the team around Whiteside or tank during the off-season next year.
Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers are on a roller coaster ride this year. Their inconsistency has placed them 9th in the Western Conference standings, behind the Los Angeles Lakers.
Team-captain, Damian Lillard spoke about the team's inconsistency saying that they aren't playing well as of late. It is clear that team is in need of an offensive and defensive boost in the middle. Having Whiteside in their roster will definitely help address those issues.
Other reports suggest that Trail Blazers general manager, Neil Olshey has been chasing Whiteside due to his athleticism, energy and old-school low-post skill. Adding Whiteside will open space for their dynamic backcourt of C.J. McCollum and Damian Lillard.
If trade proposal is pursued, the Trail Blazers will send Meyers Leonard, Moe Harkless and Mason Plumlee to the Heat. All three young players can help the team rebuild if they are looking to tank this off-season.
The Trail Blazers are also interested in other big men like Brooklyn Nets' Brook Lopez, Milwaukee Bucks' Greg Monroe and Orlando Magic's Nikola Vucevic. However, as stats are concerned, Whiteside is a better player than the three.
Fans will have to wait whether both teams will have a serious discussion on the proposed trade. It will be interesting to see whether the Miami Heat and the Portland Trail Blazers are willing to seal the deal.
