Miami Heat have moved to guarantee the salary of centre Hassan Whiteside for the season.

The original deal, signed last year, would only guarantee his whole wage for 2015-16 if he was still on the roster on December 1, but the Heat decided to change that with Whiteside looking to start in Miami this season.

The Heat were allowed to modify the contract but could not change the salary cap figure as the team are already over the threshold.

Miami could find it difficult to hold on to Whiteside next summer due to the 26-year-old falling short of having full bird rights and the Heat needing to find significant cap space to keep him in Florida.

Whiteside was a surprise hit in Miami last season, averaging 11.8 points and 10 rebounds per game in 48 appearances.