LeBron hints at uncertain future in Instagram message to Dwyane Wade

Jan 5, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade (left) stands next to Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (right) during the second half against the Toronto Raptors at American Airlines Arena. Miami won 102-97. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Today is Dwyane Wade’s 32nd birthday, and in NBA years, that means he’s over the hill. Wade is no doubt a future hall of famer, and is still a top 15-20 player in the league, but his future is very much in jeopardy. Wade has won three titles in his career–including two straight–and he has done so with LeBron James by his side during the last three seasons.

Wade, James, and Chris Bosh can all opt out and become free agents this summer, and that has led to some serious speculation. Some people have LeBron James going back to Cleveland, and others have him staying in Miami. In a birthday message to Wade on Instagram, James hinted that the future is uncertain:

"Happy Bday to my running mate, homie, brother, and most of all straight up friend! The friendship we’ve created our rookie year at pre draft camp was pure and that’s why we stuck together from that point on! Obviously didn’t know we would eventually become teammates and do the things we’ve done so far. I came to Miami for 2 reasons. To play with U and to win championships and I can’t thank u enough for the sacrifice you’ve made since I arrived homie! No matter what happens in the future we stuck together like brothers for life. And no matter what they say, u still a BAD Mutha-Shut-Yo-Mouth out there on that court! @dwyanewade. Oh almost forgot u old as dirt! Boy you look 40. Hahaha! #TreyBallBDay #YouASuckaOnYoBDay"

The key sentence in that is “No matter what happens in the future.” This could be another one of those times where the media looks into something that isn’t a big deal, but nonetheless, it is obvious that LeBron is going to do some searching in free agency. In an interview with Chris Broussard of ESPN, he hinted at the same situation:

"“I mean, as a kid, I never thought the Bulls would break up. Never. If you’d have told me as a kid that [Michael] Jordan and [Scottie] Pippen wouldn’t play together for the rest of their lives, I’d have looked at you crazy.”"

Nobody knows what will happen this summer, not even LeBron, and this story will only grow as the season goes along. The Heat have currently lost three games in a row, and are facing Philadelphia tonight.