The Heat’s stated top offseason priority was Hassan Whiteside. Their reported top offseason priority was Kevin Durant.
And then there’s Dwyane Wade.
With Whiteside locked up on a max deal and Durant headed to the Warriors, Miami is still haggling with Wade.
The Heat reportedly offered Wade a two-year, $40 million contract. He wants more.
Brian Windhorst of ESPN:Dwyane Wade’s representatives have told teams that the All-Star is seeking a deal around $50 million over two years, currently leaving the salary cap-strapped Miami Heat short, sources told ESPN.com.
Wade, who was upset with the Heat prioritizing free agents Hassan Whiteside and Kevin Durant, has pushed the Heat to increase their $20 million per season offer, sources said.
Though there have been rumors of Wade having talks with the Cleveland Cavaliers, there is no traction between the parties, sources said.
I don’t blame Wade for pushing for more money. The greatest player in Heat history, he has taken discounts for years. There always seemed to be an implicit promise of a bigger payday down the road, and it hasn’t come. How much longer should the 34-year-old with bad knees wait?
The Heat can’t offer Wade $50 million over two years right now, but they have a simple route to accommodating him: Trade Josh McRoberts. Clearing McRoberts’ salary from the books would allow Miami to give Wade a two-year, $50,117,407 contract -- and match Tyler Johnson’s offer sheet from the Nets.
McRoberts’ injury issues might make him a negative asset, but the Heat can attach a draft pick to move him. They’ve already traded so many, but at a certain point, they have to find a way to pay Wade.
It might not be the Cavs or Bucks, but Wade will find a team to pay him if Miami won’t.