D-Wade might not be staying in Miami.
Last summer, when LeBron’s possible split from the Heat made headlines around the country, leaving the entire sports world on the edge of their seats, Dwyane Wade made a monetary move in effort to hold onto “The Big Three.” Opting out of his six-year, $108 million contract, the 12-year Miami vet took a $11 million pay cut to help the team gain the flexibility to hold onto its winning roster.
Fast forward one season, and the odds of the Miami Heat snagging another title are thin, with James in Cleveland and Wade now on the line. After leading the team to three championships, the team is reportedly showing resistance to offer Wade his due pay.
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With free agency around the corner (July 1), the Heat is caught between a rock and a hard place, choosing between improving Wade’s contract and the overbearing NBA salary cap. To redeem the loss he forfeited last year, he’ll be expecting a $22 million dollar boost for his contract, seemingly reasonable for a Big Three player.
According to Henry Thomas, Wade’s sports agent, Miami will work harder to settle on a deal for all that Wade has contributed in his decade-long loyalty with the team.
This could mean a hard hit for Miami, which would pay $120 million in salary and tax penalties if it chose to hold onto Wade and two other free agents on the team. If Wade does leave Florida behind, the Heat will be looking for his replacement in the 2015 NBA draft with the No. 10 pick. – Diamond Hillyer
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