NBA: Are the Mavericks interested in Hassan Whiteside?

The Dallas Mavericks are reportedly interested in a commitment from Hassan Whiteside. However, much depends on how the coming draft will proceed.

This is reported by Mavericks insider Mike Fisher of 247sports.com, citing sources within the franchise. These say that there is an interest to open a trade for Whiteside, provided the Heat are ready to negotiate.

The Mavs were already interested in the Big Man in the summer of 2016. He was a free agent at the time, but signed a new contract with the Miami Heat for four years and 98 million dollars. However, South Beach are not so happy with the development of the 28-year-old, whose playing time – especially in the playoffs and crunchtime – was cut back.

His contract, however, runs until 2020, with a $27 million player option last year. The Mavs would have enough room under the Salary Cap for this contract.

According to Fisher, however, much depends on whom Dallas selects in fifth place in the upcoming draft. Mo Bamba of the Texas Longhorns is considered a serious candidate – and he is also a center. In this case, Whiteside might stand in the way of developing the talent.