The Miami Heat and Dwyane Wade are at odds over the next contract for the star guard and moving forward Wade could consider opting out of his deal to become a free agent and if that happens, teams like the Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, NY Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers could be potential landing spots.
Wade and the Heat are reportedly going back and forth about what the guard should do moving forward, as the team would like him to opt into his contract for one more year. According to the Miami Herald, the Heat want Wade to take a "blow market value" deal moving forward and that they are worried about "limited financial flexibility" due to Wade's age and potential contract demands. Some reports have Wade looking for a three year deal at $20 million per season and this comes after Wade has taken less money numerous times in his runs with Miami.
Miami is looking to get some flexibility, as they have to try and bring back Goran Dragic this summer and moving forward they also need to sign Hassan Whiteside. Wade reportedly is looking for more than the $16.1 million player option he has for next season and this could be the main sticking point between the two sides. Dan Le Batard writes that the Heat and Wade are coming into a situation where neither side has great leverage and where both sides want to find an agreement, but it may be difficult to do so.
Le Batard writes that the "next step in contract negotiations will test Miami Heat - Dwyane Wade bond", as Wade could look at opting out and leaving if he feels lowballed by the team. Le Batard details that Wade has taken less money at numerous points in his career and now he feels that he should be compensated moving forward. This is likely the last "big money" deal that Wade will sign in his career and that is one reason why he may hold out to get what he thinks he deserves.
According to the Miami Herald, Wade took less money to help the team keep Udonis Haslem and he also took less money by terminating his deal after last year. Wade signed a new deal at lesser money after he was set to get paid over $20 million and this comes after he already took less to help the team sign LeBron James. On top of that, all that doesn't even include the fact that he ceded his "alpha dog" role when James came and helped the team win two championships.
Bleacher Report writes that the Los Angeles Lakers could be an option if Wade opts out, as they have cap space and the desire to bring in free agents this summer. Michael Wilbon on ESPN spoke about the potential of Wade going to the Chicago Bulls if he opts out and that could be a strong option after he played college ball at Marquette. The Cavaliers always will be an option since LeBron James is there, but Wade likely will be too pricey. The Knicks also could be an option if Wade opts out, as they have the money to spend and the desire to sign free agents this summer.