Payton, a member of the Heat's 2006 championship team, said that at 27 Whiteside should consider more than just this impending contract. While Whiteside is eligible for up to $98 million over four years from the Heat, that contract also can include an option for the final year, which could have the shot-blocking center back on the free-agent market in 2019 at age 30. Unlike players with Bird Rights who have been with their current team (or under their current contract) for three or more seasons, Whiteside is not eligible for a fifth year on his new contract.