NBA Free Agency: Dwyane Wade Agrees To Re-Sign With Miami Heat

USA Today

Before NBA free agency got underway on July 1, rumors started to circulate around the league about Dwyane Wade being unhappy with the current contract extension talks with the Miami Heat. Wade was said to be desiring a three-year deal with the Heat at around $20 million per season.

The Heat weren’t crazy about the idea of extending Wade that long at that price considering his injury history and advanced age at 33. Although all signs appeared to be pointing to Wade leaving Miami, the team was able to come to terms on a one-year deal with the superstar on Thursday:

Associated Press reporting Wade takes one-year deal, $20 million,

— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) July 2, 2015

After signing Goran Dragic to a long-term contract worth $90 million over five years, it was uncertain whether a deal would get done with Wade. Veteran forward Luol Deng also opted in to the final year of his contract making it increasing difficult to pay Wade’s asking price, but it appears team president Pat Riley was able to make things work.

Although Wade is no longer the play he once was and is always an injury risk, he’s been the face of the franchise for over a decade and a solid shooting guard on a promising roster. Along with Wade, the Heat still have Chris Bosh and Hassan Whiteside in the fold as well as Dragic running the point and Deng at small forward.

No one is dubbing the Heat as legitimate title contenders at this point in time, but they could be a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference next season. Whiteside and Dragic playing an entire season alongside the team’s stars will drastically improve their chances of competing.