When Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James signed with the Miami Heat in 2010, they all earned almost identical contracts. Everyone accepted pay cuts to around the same tune of salary in order to win a championship. Now free agents once again, the Heat are forced to decide which player gets the bigger contract if they all want to return. James is seeking a max deal which means Bosh and Wade would be forced to accept the lesser.
ESPN.com is reporting that James is seeking a max contract. In his entire NBA career that consists of four MVP titles, he has never been the highest paid player in the league. James is not exactly demanding that, but he wants his fair share of salary. That type of deal will start at around $20 million. Bosh and Wade were set to earn that much next season. However, in need of making other moves, they would not be able to get that if they want to remain in South Beach.
A report ran in the Portland Oregonian that Bosh planned to accept a deal worth five years and $11 million while Wade was looking at a four-year, $12 million deal. Their agent Henry Thomas denied that report, saying that Bosh and Wade were keeping their options open and had yet to discuss real financial terms just yet. Ken Berger of CBSSports.com is now saying that Bosh and Wade are not keen on taking steep pay cuts in this next contract. If James gets his max deal then Bosh and Wade could head elsewhere in order to receive more money.
ESPN continues their report saying the Miami Heat are currently telling free agents they have $12 million to spend. They are assuming that all three members of the Big Three will return leaving them with limited funds for other options. The Heat are hoping to be major players for Kyle Lowry who is getting plenty of attention on the open market. However, with just $12 million to spend, will that be enough to land the point guard? The team also has guaranteed money owed to Norris Cole and they have to sign rookie Shabazz Napier. The Heat are also looking at Pau Gasol to help on defense. Unless everyone signs to lesser deals, Miami are going to have a hard time making improvements.