Dwyane Wade might just be using the Knicks & Bucks out of spite but for the first time in a while, it feels like he truly could leave the Miami Heat. Reports have indicated he is currently feeling some disrespect courtesy of Pat Riley and the Heat front office. They offered him $10 million for next season which is a slap in the face considering what other players around the league are getting. Not too mention it would be a $10 million dollar pay cut from last year. The Knicks, Bucks and Bulls are a few of the teams that could benefit from Miami’s slip up.
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On Friday, the Heat reached a verbal commitment with center Hassan Whiteside on a four-year contract that could be worth up to $98 million. The decision likely will force the Heat to renounce Wade’s rights regardless of Durant’s decision. It didn’t leave the Heat with much money to work with, about $19 million as reported by ESPN’s Marc Stein and they have more than just Wade to worry about. They have other positions that need to be filled to remain a contender and at the moment at least, it appears Wade won’t be returning.
Wade has reportedly received offers around the $20 million per year range from the Bucks, Bulls, Mavericks and Nuggets but with the exception of maybe the Bucks, none of those places would be a good look for Wade considering there won’t be much of a chance to win. The Bucks at least have some talent and Wade is familiar with the area thanks to his days at Marquette.
The Knicks are in the picture and reportedly will meet with Wade on Wednesday, although they likely won’t be able to offer him the same $20 million. They could however offer much more than the Heat and give Wade a chance to win with a starting five that would consist of himself, Carmelo, Porzingis, Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose.
Wade has twice taken paycuts to help the Heat and you get the sense he is done doing that. He wants his value. He has signed one-year contracts in each of the past two summers. He averaged 19 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists playing in 74 games, his most in five years, this past season.
