Report: Wade courting outside offers as talks with Heat stall

With just three days standing between him and unrestricted free agency, Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat appear to be dancing the same dance they danced last summer.

Wade has made little progress in preliminary contract talks with the organization, and is now preparing to field offers from other teams come July 1, sources told ESPN's Brian Windhorst.

With three championships, a Finals MVP, and franchise records for total games, points, assists, and steals, Wade's easily the most accomplished player in Heat history. He's played his entire 13-year career with the franchise. And yet, Wade's representatives have reportedly made it known to multiple teams over the past several days he'll be available when free agency kicks off in earnest.

The two sides were in the same spot a year ago, with Wade seemingly intent on securing a long-term deal the Heat were reluctant to give him. Heels were dug in, a frosty standoff ensued, and Wade indicated he was exploring other options, before he and the Heat finally settled on the one-year, $20-million compromise that's led them back to this point.

Last year, Heat president Pat Riley's courtship of free-agent power forward LaMarcus Aldridge clouded the team's salary picture, affecting their ability to fully commit to Wade. This year, the Heat are trying to maintain flexibility as they prepare to meet with Kevin Durant, while also juggling the impending free agency of Hassan Whiteside, Luol Deng, Joe Johnson, and Udonis Haslem. Then there's the black cloud of uncertainty surrounding Chris Bosh's health and future in the league. That's a lot of balls in the air.

Wade's also a year older now, but his age-34 season actually saw him stay healthier than he had in a half-decade. He played in 74 games, the first time since 2010-11 he topped the 70-game mark. The Heat carefully managed his workload, playing him a career-low 30.5 minutes per game, but he still averaged 19 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists and made his 12th straight All-Star team.