Dwyane Wade has always been flexible with the Miami Heat. Throughout the years he has always shown a willingness to put the team first and accept pay cuts so players like LeBron James and Chris Bosh can join the roster. That has paid off for him in championship rings, but now Wade is ready to get paid. The Heat are hoping he opts in on his player option in order to give the team more flexibility down the road, but the star is not so keen on doing that. So, what happens if Wade were to really leave?
According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, there is real concern that Wade is looking to bolt South Beach if he and the team cannot agree on contract terms. Wade wants to opt out and sign a better contract while the Heat want him to take the $16 million option and wait until 2016 to be a free agent when they would likely pay him less. That does not have the veteran too happy with the franchise he has been the face of for so many years.
This is reportedly not the first time Wade and the Heat have not seen eye-to-eye on contract talks. Last year, Wade took a pay cut. He opted out of a contract that would have paid him $20 million this season and $21 million next year. Instead he earned $15 million this year and could get $16 million next year. Understandably he wants money back. However, according to John Newman of Bleacher Report, the initial contract offer to Wade was under $10 million, another big pay cut. It is clear why there is tension.
The Miami Herald is reporting the Heat want flexibility in order to re-sign Hassan Whiteside in 2016 along with getting Kevin Durant. The Durant dreams are slim to begin with and the Heat would be wise to not bank on that idea. They also are dealing with Luol Deng considering opting in on his contract while needing to give Goran Dragic his max contract. So are there free agents that could come close to replacing Wade as sources report the Knicks and Clippers will be ready if the veteran is available?
Jimmy Butler is the best shooting guard available, but the Heat cannot give him the money if they give Dragic a max deal. Monta Ellis is expected to test the market after a successful season with the Dallas Mavericks. He could be a solid option for the team depending on contract demands. Iman Shumpert and JR Smith could also be available. Heat fans might not be thrilled about those two players, but Smith is in the midst of a solid stint with the Cavaliers. Louis Williams and Danny Green are also available.
The chances still seem slim that Wade actually bolts the franchise he helped build. However, the veteran wants his money and while at his age he still has years left to capitalize on his worth, injuries dictate him needing to get paid now. If the Heat are unwilling to do so, another team will not hesitate to step up.