A: The problem with establishing a maximum salary is that everyone and anyone who is close to that figure seeks that figure. No, Hassan is not worth the same maximum salary as LeBron James, Kevin Durant or Steph Curry. But other than tenure in the league, the NBA makes no delineation regarding statistics, productivity or potential when it comes to the maximum. Anyone and everyone is eligible, if there is a market. So this is where I say you have to take a step back and first ask yourself: Is there a better use of $22 million in salary-cap space next season than solely on Whiteside? For example, could there be more bang for your buck with both Pau Gasol and an extra 3-point shooter? That, to me, is going to be where the debate starts. It also could be why the Heat seek a lower starting point than the maximum, to make it easier to justify the contract in terms of the overall cap. But, yes, I do see Hassan coming back, because with their fragile state regarding the uncertainty with Chris Bosh, the Heat can't leave themselves with a dire void(s) in the power rotation. But, again, that's the perspective on May 21. The one thing about free agency is that it constantly evolves (and hasn't even started yet).