How much money can each team offer Dwyane Wade?
By Joe Romano
Dwyane Wade and the Chicago Bulls have reached a buyout agreement. The former All-Star will have many suitors around the league.
Over the weekend the Chicago Bulls reached a buyout agreement with veteran guard Dwyane Wade. The two sides were able to finally come together to a compromise. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN:
"Wade agreed to leave about $8 million of his $23.8 million salary on the table after talks between the two sides about a resolution intensified ahead of Monday’s start of training camp."
After only one season with his hometown Bulls, Wade saw the writing on the wall. The team recently traded star Jimmy Butler for young assets, one of which may not be ready to start the season. They also let veteran guard Rajon Rondo walk in free agency. The only remaining veterans on the teams were Wade and center Robin Lopez.
There are four teams that are apparently in the lead for Wade’s services. Each team has a unique connection with Wade but money is tight for all.
What do teams have to offer Dwyane Wade?
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) September 25, 2017
MIA: $4.2M
SAS: $3.3M
CLE: $2.5M
OKC: $2.3M
The minimum for Wade is $2.3M
The obvious connection, and something that has been discussed all offseason is the Cleveland Cavaliers. Wade would join best fried LeBron James and a championship contender. As Bobby Marks mentions above, the Cavaliers barely have more than the minimum to offer Wade.
After this weekend’s trade, the Oklahoma City Thunder can throw their name in the ring for Wade. The team has a hole at shooting guard and other superstars to court Wade. Carmelo Anthony was also a member of James and Wade’s banana boat crew. The now-Thunder star will try to bring Wade down to his new city with him.
The least surprising name on the list is the Miami Heat. Wade spent his first 13 seasons in Miami, winning three championships. He was a fan favorite in Miami and even had the infamous Dade County renamed Wade County for a day. Miami is the least likely of the four teams to contend this upcoming season.
Finally, the surprising San Antonio Spurs make the list. It is only surprising in the sense that there is no real connection with Wade and the team. Everyone wants to play for Gregg Popovich (except LaMarcus Aldridge). The team is already loaded with veterans and an MVP-caliber player. This would be a chance for Wade to go for the fourth title.
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It seems as though a reunion with James in Cleveland is the most likely scenario. With media day on Monday, an announcement could come quick. Wade may not be the superstar he once was but he will be a key piece for any team that acquires him.