What exactly is Whitesides' value around the league? What exactly could've Portland got in return for him? I don't think it's a question that Lillard & co has been able to get the best out of Whiteside. Do other teams have a structure like that to keep his mind right so he stays playing hard? Is Whiteside playing harder throughout the year because he's in a contract year.... That will more than likely be his last? How does he look next year? away from Lillard & Portland? I think there is a reasonable argument to be made that Whiteside wasn't all that tradeable given what happened in Miami. Miami is a respected organization who gives their players the ability to just go do their job. But Whiteside wasn't able to do that. Is Portland more respected than Miami? Or is the defining factor a combination of Lillard and contract year for Whiteside? These are real things imo an opposing GM would shy away from giving up future assets or tradeable players who don't create a headache. Not really sure there was a market for Whiteside. Just like I have serious doubts on how high his next contract will be.
