Heading into free agency, Dwyane Wade is suddenly the talk of the NBA. The star has been the face of the Miami Heat since arriving at South Beach. He has always proven willing to take pay cuts in order to help other players join the Heat, but heading into a summer where he has a chance to get paid, Wade is not looking to take another hometown discount and Miami is suddenly faced with the dilemma of the veteran leaving. LeBron James would not take the bait on the issue.
James addressed the media prior to Game 1 of the NBA Finals and the media tried to bait him into talking about Wade's upcoming stint as a free agency. As many wonder if the star really would leave the Heat, James made no effort to fuel the headlines.
"Did he say that? 'm not commenting on it. If Dwyane Wade didn't say, 'I'm opting out,' then I'm not commenting on that," James said, via the Miami Sun-Sentinel.
Wade has not said anything publicly regarding his pending contract status, but it is well known that the Heat would prefer Wade to opt in on a $16 million option instead of opting and seeking a long-term deal. When Wade originally signed the deal, he told the Heat he would opt in to his option in order to give the team more financial flexibility. Now, he is not so certain.
Wade has traditionally taken a pay cut in his contracts so players like James and Chris Bosh could sign on. According to Ethan Skolnick of Bleacher Report, the latest off from the Heat was less than $10 million and Wade was reportedly "blindsided" by the numbers. This has Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reporting that the Heat are very concerned Wade is planning on leaving.
According to Frank Isola of New York Daily News, the New York Knicks could be a landing spot if Wade is available. Carmelo Anthony would love to pair up with the shooting guard as the two stars would take the pressure off each other. Isola also reports the Los Angeles Clippers could be an option. The issue is that neither team will be able to offer the $16 million the Heat can. Wade is starting to fall out of the "elite" category an he could learn that the hard way if he decides to opt out and head out of South Beach.
