Dwyane Wade, in the middle of the prime of his career, does not want to sit out for a full NBA season.
In fact, he said he wouldn’t. With fears abounding the entire season might be wiped out Wade told the Associated Press he will not sit out a full season.
First off, players union chief Billy Hunter just read that and high fived someone.
Secondly, Wade denied — again — that he has gotten a $2 million a month offer from a Chinese team.
But if ends up anywhere, it may well be China. The biggest teams in Europe are not taking on rentals. China has teams with the money (or sponsors with the money) to pay a good wage to Wade. Maybe not $2 million a month, but safe to say way more than you or I make. China also is a great spot for Nike-sponsored Wade to land as he tries to grow his global brand.
Most importantly, the Chinese Basketball Association season does not start until December. That means Wade (or other stars) could watch the labor negotiations play out through September and October before having to make any commitments.
I have hope it will not come to that. But I have little hope of a full NBA season at this point.
