Miami Heat star guard Dwyane Wade is leaning toward opting out of the final two seasons of his deal with the team and accepting less money so the squad can pursue other top-tier players in summer free agency.
According to the New York Daily News, Wade is considering voiding the final two-seasons of his current deal that owes him nearly $42 million to accept a four-year package in the neighborhood of $50 to $55 million.
Weeks after the two-time defending champion Heat were easily dethroned by the San Antonio Spurs 4-1 in the NBA Finals, Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh can all become free agents this summer. Already the Heat are rumored to be interested in adding Knicks star forward Carmelo Anthony or Raptors guard Kyle Lowry, both of whom could also soon find themselves free agents.
Dwyane Wade, Gabrielle Union engaged
The 32-year-old Wade missed 28 games for the Heat this season and played the least amount of minutes he has over his 11-year career, all in effort to preserve energy in the Heat's chase to become just the third team over nearly the last two decades to earn an NBA three peat.
After a strong start to the postseason, Wade sputtured during the finals, averaging just 15 points and four rebounds. Still, Heat president Pat Riley implored his Big 3 to stay the course during an intense-filled press conference just last week.
"This stuff is hard," said Riley. "You've got to stay together if you've got the guts. You don't find the first door and run out of it."
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