Throughout the season, it was really hard to fathom that Dwyane Wade could leave the Heat in the summer of 2016 through free agency. Fast forward to now, and that pipe dream could have a chance to become reality.
Brian Windhorst of ESPN is reporting that Wade has been putting his name out there to teams around the league:
Over the last 24, 72 hours, Dwyane representatives have been calling around the league to several teams. Not to every team, not to 29 teams, but to a few teams and have said to them, “Hey, Dwyane is going to be available and is going to take offers.”
I know San Antonio is one of the teams that’s been contacted. I know Dallas is one of the teams that’s been contacted.
Before we get into any discussion, lets remember one thing, Wade and the Heat are not on bad terms right now. He wants to return to the team, he is just unhappy that he had to sign a one-year, $20 million contract. He went through this same type of ordeal last summer, and it eventually worked out. In the end, he still wants to be on the Heat for the rest of his career.
I can see where he is getting anxious, though. The team could be losing out on Hassan Whiteside, even though they said re-signing him is a priority. In the end, they could be trying to clear space for Kevin Durant, which would mean Wade definitely stays. This is a leverage situation in the end by Wade, but if things don’t go according to plan, lets see where Wade could fit in on other teams if he walks.
For the Spurs, they already have Danny Green signed up for a good amount of time, but that doesn’t mean they can’t run small and have multiple off guards on the floor. For Dallas, they have Wesley Matthews, whom they signed in free agency last year. He most certainly did not live up to the money he signed for as he only averaged 12 points and shot 36% from three. With good coaching and winning environments, there is some reason to think Dwyane Wade could fit in there. He now needs limited time as he has aged, but the talent is still most definitely there. what better team to bring on an aging veteran than the Spurs?
For Miami, if they lose Wade it kind of leaves them in limbo. Their direction would start to turn to the younger players like Justise Winslow, Hassan Whiteside (if they keep him), and others. Dragic could become a leader on this team, but does he have that leadership capability. For Miami, they should obviously do everything in their power to bring Wade back.
Wade is going to try and stay in Miami but if they get pigheaded and try to play hardball, don’t be surprised if Wade goes elsewhere.
