NBA free agency is right around the corner and while Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant is capturing most of the attention, the future of Dwyane Wade in Miami is becoming uzzy.
According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com, Wade and the Heat haven’t found common ground for a new contract and the 34-year-old will start fielding offers from other teams. It would be quite the shock to see Wade bolt in free agency, as he’s played all of his 13 seasons with the club, capturing three championships over his career.
What are Miami’s reservations about locking up their longtime star? It’s all about the cap. Wade is likely looking for a large, multiple year deal from the Heat. He begrudgingly signed a one-year, $20 million deal last offseason and is probably hoping for stability with his upcoming contract. The Heat shouldn’t meet Wade’s demands if they’re excessive. He’s a good, formerly great, player on the decline. He shot career worst percentages across the board, and has played more than 74 games just once in the last five seasons. Even if he has the reputation, giving him a legacy contract is risky. That worked out so well for the Los Angeles Lakers and Kobe Bryant.
The Heat have a lot of work to do in free agency. Hassan Whiteside, who’s been a revelation with the team for the past two seasons, is also hitting unrestricted free agency, and will probably command a max deal. Miami is also meeting with Kevin Durant. That’s not even mentioning the seven other UFAs on the Heat aside from Whiteside and Wade. Wade’s not the team’s number one priority.
As ESPN’s Chris Broussard notes, it’s a smart negotiation ploy for Wade to say he’s scanning the free agent market, even if he intends on re-signing with the Heat. It’s going to be a tough negotiation for both sides. Wade can still play, but not at the level of his former self. Miami needs to be smart and cautious when dealing with him.
A deal will likely get done after July 1, but it’s not a 100% sure thing. If he doesn’t re-sign, it’s going to be weird to see Wade in a non-Heat uniform.
[ESPN]
