Report: Wade, Heat progressing towards multi-year agreement
Tap here to view theScore's NBA Offseason Tracker, which includes the latest transactions and rumors.
Dwyane Wade plying his trade anywhere but South Beach just wouldn't seem right. Luckily for Miami Heat fans, it sounds as though the franchise cornerstone is staying put.
Free agent Dwyane Wade and Miami are progressing in talks on a likely multi-year deal, league sources tell Yahoo Sports.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 1, 2015
Wojnarowski reported earlier on Wednesday that Wade is seeking a max contract, while the Miami Herald's Joseph Goodman added that a two-year contract with a player option could be in the works.
Based on his 10-plus years of NBA service, Wade could sign a max contract with the Heat that starts at $22.1 million in the first year. Earlier this week, he opted out of the final year of a contract that would have paid him $16.1 million in 2015-16.
The 33-year-old remains a star performer when healthy, averaging 21.5 points, 4.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 steals this season. But his health and durability are a legitimate concern, as Wade missed 20 games in 2014-15 and hasn't cracked the 70-game mark since 2010-11.
Given his 12-year, Hall of Fame career in Miami and the financial sacrifices Wade made for the team over the years, the Heat icon is reportedly looking to be made whole. But a possible hesitation on the team's part to lock Wade up long term is understandable.
For what it's worth, the Los Angeles Lakers are still reportedly planning to meet with Wade.