The Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly are in the mix to add Dwyane Wade, but the real stumbling block standing in the way of such a transaction happening is the matter of money.
The Cavs already have over $76 million committed for next season, and that’s without factoring in how much LeBron James will make once he agrees to a deal with the team. Even after signing James, the Cavs would still need to sign three more players to fill out the rest of the roster, including J.R. Smith. They’re projected to be well over the salary cap of $94.1 million next season — a year after they spent a league-high $54 million in luxury taxes last season.
One way the Cavs could potentially afford Wade would be if LeBron took the veteran minimum instead of maximizing his pay for the upcoming season. But apparently that is not an option James will entertain, according to TNT’s David Aldridge.
What I’ve been told: LeBron James will not take the vet minimum in order to facilitate a DWade signing with Cavs. Under any circumstances.
— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) July 6, 2016
That should not come as a surprise, given how LeBron has set himself up the last two summers to get the $200M+ max payout in 2017.
— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) July 6, 2016
James, Wade and Chris Bosh all took less in Miami to win rings, and the trio was rewarded with two championships and four Finals appearances. Since then, LeBron left for Cleveland where he maximized his the amount of money he could make each year; Bosh received a max contract from the Heat; and now Wade is looking to get paid. In other words, the days of these star players taking big pay cuts to make room for their buddies is over, so the chances of the Cavs being able to afford Wade are probably slim, though it is fun to follow the rumors.
