Heat officially sign Dwyane Wade to reported 1-year, $20M deal
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The process of the Miami Heat attempting to come to terms on a new deal with Dwyane Wade was excruciating at best, as constant teases that he wanted to leave and possibly join the Cleveland Cavaliers made the events come off as more of a soap opera than a run-of-the-mill business deal.
All's well that ends well, though, as the Heat have announced the re-signing of Wade. The deal was reported last week as a one-year, $20-million contract, although the team did not disclose any numbers, per club policy.
“For over a decade, Dwyane has embodied what it means to wear the Miami Heat uniform,” said president Pat Riley in the team's official release.
“He has been the pillar and constant of this organization, and is a true champion in every sense of the word. We are thrilled that Dwyane has re-signed and will lead us as we look to win another NBA Championship.”
Riley made it a priority to bring Wade back this summer, as he wants the three-time champion to finish his career in South Beach.
A one-year deal does anything but guarantee that, leaving the door open for Wade to head elsewhere next offseason when the salary cap soars to record heights.
Gazing at Miami's all-time leaders list is like gazing at a shrine to Wade, with the 33-year-old leading the way in games played (781), points (18,812), assists (4,600), steals (1,335), and minutes played (28,302), while also ranking near the top in a number of other statistical categories.
He averaged 21.5 points and 4.8 assists in 62 games last season, one in which the Heat missed the playoffs for the first time since 2008.