The Miami Heat and Dwyane Wade were somehow able to resolve their dispute with the long-time Heat guard opting to remain in South Beach at least until next year.
Wade, a valued player for the franchise which he has helped win three NBA titles, agreed to a one-year deal worth $20 million, dousing hopes for other teams which had plans of adding to him to their fold.
The 33-year-old guard opted out of his previous contract worth $16.1 million as he wanted to get the proper salary after years of sacrifice on behalf of the Heat.
With the Heat reportedly unwilling to give Wade a max contract, the All Star guard made public that he intends to listen to what other teams could offer him. Among the teams that gained immediate interest are the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers.
So what convinced Wade to stay?
Wade met with Heat CEO Nick Arison and general partner Micky Arison and both emphasized how valued Wade was to Miami. And from there, the numbers game came in place and that was all she wrote.
"Sitting down with Nick, sitting down with Micky and having conversations with them that I've never had, that was big for me," Wade said. "I've never had a business conversation with one of them. They got to show me how much they really wanted me to be here, how important it was for them that I continue to wear one jersey."
The contract cannot be made official until July 9.
Aside from the meeting with the Heat top brass, Wade mentioned that he also took into consideration what fans were saying over social media.
"I can't tell you how much I appreciated what they all said," Wade said.
For Wade, he views the short-term deal as amicable considering he can renegotiate next year for a higher pay (about $25 million based on the planned salary hike next year).
With the new deal, the Heat stand to have one of the best backcourts once the 2015-16 NBA season starts. Paired with Chris Bosh, Luol Deng and rising star Hassan Whiteside, the Heat are looking to rebound after missing the playoffs last season.
With the Wade issue settled, the Heat now focus their attention on another free agent in LaMarcus Aldridge.
Heat president Pat Riley is scheduled to meet with Aldridge in Los Angeles, something many view as a long shot though the re-signing of Wade and the presence of more ample talent could make or break that meeting.
Regardless, Wade seems to be pumped up for the coming season and by all means, the team has somehow taken shape.
"We're going to be better. I know that," Wade said. "Knock on wood, you stay healthy, I think we're a good team. I like our chances."
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
