The Miami Heat are trying to figure out what do with the NBA trade deadline, and there has been some talk that Hassan Whiteside is at the center of those thoughts.

But it looks like the team may not move Whiteside at the deadline after all, per Sean Deveney of Sporting News.

At this time of year, that will automatically get a guy like Whiteside included in the daily trade rumor mill. But league sources tell Sporting News that a move involving Whiteside would be a long shot, because for all the frustration he gives to Spoelstra, the Heat know how valuable he has been to their rise as a defensive force in the East, which has moved them into contention for one of the top three seeds in the conference. The Heat are 18-9 in their last 27 games, and have ranked third in defensive efficiency in that stretch.

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Whiteside is certainly a special player and one the Heat have benefited from this season. Moving him may get the Heat good players in a trade, but they would be losing a player that has helped them be a playoff team this season.

It's a tough decision for the Heat, but one that makes sense if the team is trying to put itself in the best position for the near future. Not trading Whiteside can get them far in the playoffs this year.

And if something happens when a great deal presents itself, the Heat can cross that bridge when they get there. But for now, keeping Whiteside looks like the right move.