Kevin Love is on the free agent market this summer after using his opt out and Dwyane Wade could join him in free agency if he uses his opt out on his Miami Heat contract and if that happens, teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers and New York Knicks could go after the players as FA targets.
Love has opted out of his contract with the Cavaliers and while the team expects to re-sign the forward, there is a chance he will meet with other clubs this summer. According to Marc Stein, Love was expected to opt out and the most likely landing spots for him if he leaves Cleveland are the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets. Pro Basketball Talk reports that the Blazers and Suns could be in the mix, but the most likely destination is staying in Cleveland, as he can sign for the most money there.
Wade has a player option for next season at $16.1 million and the clock is ticking on a decision, as the deadline is next Monday for him to opt in. The team reportedly wants Wade to take the player option and sign a new deal next year, but Wade is looking for a longer deal, according to the Miami Herald. ESPN.com's Ramona Shelburne and Brian Windhorst reported on Monday that the team and Wade are meeting this week to discuss the contract situation and it will be the first talks between the sides in "some time."
Wade is 33 years old and the team is reportedly worried about tying up too much money in his contract with other deals still needing to get done for players on the roster. The team has to sign Goran Dragic back after he opted out into free agency, while Luol Deng also could hit the market with his player option. On top of that, the team has Hassan Whiteside needing a new contract next summer and CBS Sports reports Miami wants to be in play for Kevin Durant when he hits the market.
Wade likely will end up staying in Miami, but according to Chris Mannix at SI.com, there is "mutual interest" between Wade and the Lakers if he considers leaving. Mannix writes that La has "money to burn" and that if Wade actually considered leaving Miami, Los Angeles could be a main option for him. Wade is going to get chased if he hits the market and this contract issue could be the thing that splits him from the Heat.
Wade averaged 21 points last season with 3.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists while playing in 62 games, but he will be 34 years old by the end of next season. ESPN.com reports that Wade is looking for a three year deal in the range of $50 million and that is what is giving the team pause.