The Miami Heat may have to get creative to convince Dwyane Wade to play out the final year of his team-friendly contract, and promising to pursue the biggest name on the free agent market after next season would be a good place to start.
Wade did the Heat a favor last summer by opting out of the final two years of his contract and signing a new two-year deal that gave the team more flexibility. The 33-year-old went on to average 21.5 points per game last season and prove he still has plenty left in the tank. Now, there are reports that Wade could cash in on the favor the Heat owe him and demand more money.
But what if the Heat promise D-Wade they’ll go all-out for Kevin Durant next summer?
According to Dan Le Batard of The Miami Herald, the Heat are hoping Wade opts into his $16 million contract for the 2015-2016 season, allowing for more flexibility when he becomes a free agent. At that point, they would — in theory — try to figure out a way to re-sign Wade and sign Durant.
Pipe dream? Maybe. But that’s what Wade himself once told the Heat about his great friend LeBron James being in Miami. Miami wants to have the flexibility that gets Riley in a room with Durant.
The Heat can have room for Wade, Bosh, Goran Dragic, Hassan Whiteside and Durant … but only if Wade opts in for this year and gives them that flexibility by being a free agent in 2016. This requires Wade to have a lot of trust, obviously, and the leap of faith that the team will take care of him in 2016.
The problem for Wade is he is getting to the age where securing as much money as he can is incredibly important. What if he suffers an injury next season or is suddenly far less effective? Will the Heat stay true to their word for a broken down 34-year-old even if they miss out on Durant?
There has been speculation that Durant may want to return to his hometown to play after next season, but he insists he would love to remain in Oklahoma City. The Heat will be one of many teams trying to sign him. Does Wade want to wager his future on that happening? I doubt it.
H/T Deadspin
