Initial contract discussions between Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat haven’t gone as planned. League sources confirm they have yet to reach an agreement that both parties are satisfied with, and with free agency approaching this Friday, Wade is taking no chances and is preparing to field outside offers.
According to those same league sources, Wade’s representatives have contacted various teams recently, letting them know he will be on the market. While some teams have shown interest, others seem skeptical that Wade will actually leave the Heat after 13 years and 3 titles with the team.
This isn’t the first time Wade and The Heat have struggled to reach an agreement either. Last year they spent several weeks before agreeing on a one-year, $20 million deal for the 2016 season. During that season, despite years of knee issues, the 34 year old talent played in 74 games, averaged 19 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists. With those numbers, Wade understandably hoped negotiations would go more smoothly this summer.
“I hope that everything is quiet and works out the way I want it to” Wade said.
The Heat currently has a budget of about $40 million to distribute among nine free agents, including Wade, Hassan Whiteside and Luol Deng. They’ve also been entertaining Kevin Durant, who they plan to meet with after free agency opens.
Along with trying to please free agents, and Durant, the Heat organization is also focused on finding a resolve for Chris Bosh, as his status for next season has yet to be determined.
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