NBA Free Agency: Dwayne Wade, the Face of Miami Heat During 2016-17 Season? After Hassan Whiteside, What's Next for No. 3? News Updates
Will Dwayne Wade still be the face of the franchise next season?
With the salary cap increased to $94 million, teams have been throwing money for less-deserving players. Meanwhile, Dwayne Wade, the cornerstone of the Miami Heat and its face for the past decade, has been left out of the action.
Maybe not for long.
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Frustrated with his contract situation, Wade has already instructed his agents to contact several teams about their interest in signing him. Many have shown interest in the 12-time all-star, with the Mavericks, Bucks and Nuggets staying in contention to land the superstar. All teams can offer Wade a multi-year deal worth more than $20 million a year.
With Kevin Durant out of the question, the Heat has increased their offer to a two-year, $40 million deal, with a player option in year 2.
However, the former finals MVP is insistent on receiving either a multi-year deal or more than $20 million for a two-year deal.
As a result, Wade is intent on testing the free agent market.
The Bucks have already scheduled a meeting with Wade this Wednesday in New York and could offer him a three-year deal worth $20 to $25 million. Wade's interest with the Mavericks was reported to be because the organization was one of the best in loyalty and commitment to its players, as evidenced in Dirk Nowitzki's tenure with the team.
The Denver Nuggets are also in a position to offer Wade a multi-year contract and can throw upward of $28 million for the superstar's services.
This is the second year that contract negotiations with Wade and the Heat organization have encountered a rough patch. Last year, Wade had to wait in line before Dragic was signed, and Wade only agreed to a one-year, $20 million deal after a meeting with owner Micky Arison.
This year, it's Whiteside before Wade.
The Heat has made Whiteside its top priority, which resulted in a four-year, $98 million for the highly coveted center. The deal pays Whiteside $22 million in its first year, which leaves the Heat with only $19 million in cap space this season, less than what Wade wants. The Heat can free up more cap space by moving Josh McRoberts and his $5.7 million elsewhere, but that remains to be seen as this off-season moves along.
In his last three contracts, Wade has taken below-max deals and pay cuts to help win championships for the Heat. This resulted in the signing of Lebron James and Chris Bosh, forming the Heat's Big Three and wining two championships during their run.
