Dwyane Wade has spent his entire career in South Beach and will go down as arguably the best player to have worn a Heat uniform. Wade’s most recent contract was a two-year deal worth over $31 million with a player option in the second year.
The second year of Wade’s contract is just around the corner. However, recent reports by the Associated Press claim that the talks have stalled. Social media exploded, as expected, with many comments surrounding the belief that Wade is leaving to pursue a championship elsewhere.
Fans of the Heat will be experiencing some uncertainty, which is expected. However, there is reason to firmly believe that Wade will remain in South Beach. For one, Wade has been loyal for many years and has stated that he wants to finish his career in a Heat uniform.
Let’s not forget the relationship Wade and Pat Riley share too - it is strong. Which provides good reason to believe this is a small hurdle for Wade and the Heat to overcome.
With every chance that major change will occur in the offseason for the Miami Heat, Pat Riley may have initiated to restructure Wade’s contract in order to bring the best available players to Miami for that desired championship ring. This would require Wade to opt out of the contract that owes him $16 million.
History suggests that Wade would be willing to sacrifice money in order to chase that championship.
With a number of free agents likely to consider Miami as a destination of choice, the money Wade forgoes may once again be the difference to lure that next piece of the puzzle.
Wade and Riley have a strong relationship that features respect for one another and an extremely high level of business knowledge. No doubt the Miami Heat as a whole organization will be put first, as it always has been.