The Miami Heat could be active at the trade deadline this season, as teams have been inquiring about center Hassan Whiteside, while Omri Casspi could be a potential target with the Sacramento Kings. Whiteside has come up in trade rumors this season since the center is heading towards free agency and may not re-sign with Miami.
Miami has been dealing with some injuries of late and that could be a factor as the team decides how to handle the trade deadline. The Miami Herald reports that the Heat have shown interest in Omri Casspi with the Sacramento Kings, as the team wants to upgrade its 3-point shooting off the bench. Barry Jackson reports that the Kings are interested in Tyler Johnson despite the point guard dealing with a shoulder injury that could keep him sidelined for two months.
Miami also may consider trades with Hassan Whiteside this season at the deadline, as Whiteside is headed towards a massive payday in free agency this summer. Miami has interest in keeping Whiteside and trying to sign him to a deal, but Chris Broussard at ESPN reports that the team is "at least gauging" interest on the trade market about what they could get for the center. The Whiteside free agency situation is a tough one for Miami, as the team reportedly wants to chase Kevin Durant and also has to re-sign Dwyane Wade.
Whiteside has had his issues on the court and that could spark Miami to make a trade if they feel that Whiteside has not matured enough. Whiteside has put up great numbers this season while averaging 12 points, 11 rebounds and nearly four blocks per game, but every once in a while he continues to show bad form on the court. For example, Whiteside was ejected on Tuesday night for throwing an elbow against the Spurs, leading head coach Erik Spoelstra to say: "we've been through this with him before, but it's a disappointing play."
While all that doesn't mean Miami will trade Whiteside, the team clearly is keeping their options open as the deadline gets closer. The Herald reports that Miami could try and trade Chris Andersen or Jarnell Stokes at the deadline, with Ethan Skolnick writing that moving Stokes is more likely than Anderson based on their salaries (Anderson makes $5 million, Stokes is at the minimum).
Miami really likes the potential in Johnson, but if the team wants to add Casspi in a deal with the Kings, they may have to give up the point guard. Casspi is averaging 12 points per game this season and is shooting 42 percent from 3-point range. The two sides have not gotten close to making a deal yet, according to the Miami Herald. Miami likely would have to add more salary in the deal if it's Casspi for Johnson, as Casspi makes nearly $3 million and Johnson is at the minimum.