Dwyane Wade stayed true to his word, opting out of his contract with the Miami Heat thus making him an unrestricted free agent.
Wade will join other high profile names starting July 1 as he entertains other teams that can offer him what he wants – a max deal which he believes is long overdue.
Had he opted in, Wade would have been assured $16.1 million heading into the 2015-16 NBA wars. But after years of giving in and sacrificing for the Heat, the 33-year-old All Star guard may be starting to take things in perspective and is looking to secure his future. His decision contradicts an earlier confirmation that he would be opting in with the Heat next season last April.
Wade’s intent to opt out and seek a max deal provided some hints as early as the recently concluded NBA Finals.
Multiple teams are reportedly interested in acquiring Wade. The list includes the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Dallas Mavericks and the Milwaukee Bucks.
Despite the interest coming from multiple teams, the Heat are not entirely out of the picture. Heat president Pat Riley did say that he wanted Wade to stay and wind up his career in South Beach though it remains to be seen if they will soften their stance as far as giving Wade the contract that is due to him.
While Wade opting out doesn’t seem surprising, another player has decided to opt in and stay with the team – Luol Deng.
Deng has decided to pick up the player option of his contract which will guarantee him $10.1 million next season. While that should provide the Heat some breathing space, it remains to be seen if the Heat will keep or eventually trade him.
The Heat’s pick, Justise Winslow, is being considered a possible replacement for Deng though he may still be wet behind the ears. Chances are Deng will act as mentor to the incoming frosh from Duke.
As far as Wade is concerned, things aren’t looking that good for Pat Riley and coach Erik Spoelstra’s outlook for the team. Wade is undoubtedly one of the main offensive weapons of the team and losing him to free agency will whittle down their options, probably down to one man – Chris Bosh.
Bosh is expected to be back after missing the latter half of the previous season due to blood clot in his lungs. If Wade signed with another team, he will be the only remaining piece of the vaunted “Big Three”.