The Miami Heat re-signed big man Hassan Whiteside on Friday, and they are hoping that gives them a better shot to sign Kevin Durant. In fact, Whiteside is said to have structured his contract with that goal in mind.
Ethan J. Skolnick of the Miami Herald is reporting that Whiteside agreed to take less than the $98 million he was entitled to over four years if it helps the Heat sign Durant.
From the way it sounds, Whiteside will get the full $98 million max amount if Durant signs elsewhere. Skolnick notes that there would be a “reduction” on Whiteside’s contract that equates to roughly $10 million if Durant decides he wants to play in South Beach.
Of course, the Heat also still need to re-sign Dwyane Wade, who could legitimately be thinking about leaving the only team he has played for. Durant would probably want that to happen also if he did choose the Heat.
