Another summer means another pursuit of a free-agent center for the Dallas Mavericks.
The Mavs, who have struck out in recent years in their pursuits of big men like DeAndre Jordan and Dwight Howard, will reportedly get a meeting with unrestricted free agent Hassan Whiteside in the early hours of free agency, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon.
Related: Mavericks interest UFA Mike Conley
Whiteside, who is expected to command a maximum contract worth roughly $94 million over four years, has averaged 13.3 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks over the last two seasons with the Miami Heat after flying under the radar since being selected 33rd overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2010 NBA Draft.
The 27-year-old - who suffered a season-ending knee injury during Miami's second-round playoff loss to the Toronto Raptors - has faced questions surrounding his focus and overall defensive impact outside of his block numbers, although his free-agency value isn't expected to be affected by such concerns.
According to MacMahon, the Portland Trail Blazers are one of the other suitors attempting to lure Whiteside after the team made a surprise postseason run with a rotation of bigs that included Mason Plumlee, Ed Davis, Meyers Leonard, and Noah Vonleh.
Dallas has failed to make it past the first round of the postseason since winning the championship in 2011, and would no doubt like to surround Dirk Nowitzki with elite talent in his final years.
