Is D-Wade really leaving South Beach?
Last February, the Miami Heat gave their fans hope for the future with the acquisition of Goran Dragić. Alongside the emergence of Hassan Whiteside showing signs of future defensive dominance, this put Micky Arison and Pat Riley in a tough spot to be loyal and pay their franchise player Dwyane Wade or look ahead to the future. From the public eye, both sides want to stay together but are far apart from contract talks.
As previously reported, Wade wants a 3-year, $60 million extension but the Heat are looking to keep flash at the bargain of $45 million. Miami management were reportedly looking to work around Dragić’s contract and accommodate Dwyane, who took two key pay cuts to ensure LeBron James and Chris Bosh were content with staying in South Beach.
Now that Miami has already given Dragić a new five-year, $90 million max extension, we’re not sure how the Wade situation will play after Loul Deng opting into his $10 million deal. Given Heat management’s past years of unwilling of paying luxury tax (see: Mike Miller), D-Wade could potentially be taking his talents elsewhere.
Dwyane Wade Opts Out of Contract with Miami Heat to Enter Free Agency