NBA Rumors: Chicago Bulls Possibly Signing Hassan Whiteside In Free Agency


NBA rumors have been swirling around Hassan Whiteside. The 26-year-old center is set to become an unrestricted free agent this upcoming summer. The former Marshall Thundering Herd star will be one of the most sought out players in free agency. Several teams will be interested in signing Whiteside to their roster. According to FanSided, one of the teams that might be looking to sign him will be the Chicago Bulls. Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah are expected to be playing for different teams next season.

Hassan Whiteside has shown that he is a force to be reckoned with in the National Basketball Association. That was not always the case with him. The Sacramento Kings picked Whiteside with 33rd overall selection in the 2010 NBA Draft. He was drafted in the same year as DeMarcus Cousins. Whiteside didn’t get that much playing time since he played the same position as Cousins. Whiteside played in only one game during his rookie season.

Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah
Joakim Noah [Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images]
Hassan Whiteside was waived by the Sacramento Kings in his second year with the team. It was a struggle for him to find another home in the NBA. Whiteside spent four seasons playing in the NBA D-League and overseas. He was signed by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2014. Whiteside was waived by the Grizzlies twice during the next few months. After he was waived the second time, he decided to sign with the Miami Heat.

The Miami Heat signed Hassan Whiteside to a two-year deal in 2014. He finally got his chance to revive his career and prove that he belonged in the National Basketball Association. Whiteside became the first player in 25 years with at least 12 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 blocks in a game. He did all that while coming off the bench. Whiteside went on to finish fourth in the NBA Most Improved Player of the Year award. That season, he averaged 11.8 points, ten rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game. He certainly looked like he has revived his career with the year he’s had.

Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol
Pau Gasol [Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images]
Many people in the NBA thought Hassan Whiteside had a fluke season. He had many doubters going into his second season with the Miami Heat. Whiteside became the seventh player in National Basketball Association history with multiple points-rebounds-blocks triple doubles. He is the fastest player in Heat history to grab 1,000 rebounds and 300 blocks. Whiteside helped the Heat finish the season with a 48-34 record. That was the third-best record in the Eastern Conference. He finished the season averaging 14.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks, all of which were career highs.

According to Hoops Hype, Hassan Whiteside is the second-best center available in free agency this summer. Some executives in the NBA might believe he is the best center available. Whiteside led the league in blocks and was tied for third in rebounds. He can command a maximum contract when teams come calling. The Miami Heat will have some competition for Whiteside’s services.

Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler [Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images]
The Chicago Bulls will be one of the teams that will be interested in Hassan Whiteside. Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah are set to become free agents this offseason. Both players are expected to sign with new teams this summer. That would mean that the Bulls will be without an interior defender. Whiteside would be able to fill that missing void.

The Chicago Bulls are expecting to lose both of their starting centers to free agency this summer. That would mean they are looking for a replacement for them. Hassan Whiteside has shown in his two seasons he isn’t a one hit wonder. He could help improve a Bulls defense that seem to have regressed last season.

[Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images]

Share this article: NBA Rumors: Chicago Bulls Possibly Signing Hassan Whiteside In Free Agency
More from Inquisitr