Heat president Pat Riley will meet with Dwyane Wade in the near future with the goal of signing Wade for at least one more season, Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press tweets. “We want him back,” Riley said.
Riley also wants to re-sign big man Udonis Haslem. The Heat have been holding roster spots for both longtime veterans.
According to Riley’s ‘gut feeling,’ Haslem will be back. Wade’s return is less certain.
Riley indicated that Wade’s return is not linked to offering the team’s full taxpayer mid-level exception of $5.3MM, according to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel (Twitter links).
The Heat already have nearly $127MM in salary commitments, which would put them over the luxury tax threshold.
Wade recently stated he wouldn’t play overseas after he reportedly received a lucrative offer from a Chinese team. Haslem has been working out with other Miami players in anticipation he’ll re-sign with the team he’s played for the past 15 seasons.
Wade’s playing this season. If Riley can work his magic and land a whale or current members make a leap, it’ll be more.
The heat should give wade the best possible deal they can offer. Wade for the MTE is a steal for the undeniable face of the franchise’s history who has never been their top paid player and has left money on the table for their success, it seems like a no-brainer. For a business standpoint, i’m sure all money would be easily be re-couped in a percentage increase of sales whether the season is boom or bust, and then multiply that if he announces a final season.
Personally I would look to sign him for 2 more years to put the bow on his playing career. The Heat are in an East that can lead to deep playoff runs with hard work.
The due is owed and the return warranted.
Totally agree with Anthony, very well put.