Erik Spoelstra and Hassan Whiteside have been in communication all summer.

Spoelstra says the relationship between Whiteside and the Miami Heat is not what it appears to be.

“I have absolutely been in touch with Hassan,” Spoelstra said.

“We’ve gotten together for lunch, in constant contact on the phone and in texts. Like many things in this league, it’s not what it seems on the outside. It’s pretty normal NBA life. I’m looking forward to the start of the season with a healthy Hassan. I know he’s looking forward to that. And we still have a good part of the summer to get better.”

Whiteside spoke out several times about his frustration over his lack of playing time.

Pat Riley said Spoelstra and Whiteside needed an “intervention.”

Whiteside still is owed $52.5 million the final two seasons of the contract.