Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade reportedly signed a two-year contract to remain in South Beach. The deal supposedly has a player option in the second year, just like the contract of Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James, leading the possibility of Wade and James reuniting next summer in free agency.
James went home to Cleveland, Chris Bosh re-signed to a max contract and Wade, the last major question mark for Miami, reportedly agreed Tuesday to a two-year deal with the Heat.
Wade seemingly alluded to the deal in a Twitter post, and both the Associated Press and ESPN reported he re-signed with Miami. ESPN said the contract, which is expected to be another pay cut and finalized Tuesday, is for two years with player option in the second year of the deal.
Home Is Where The Heart Is... My Home,My City,My House..#HeatLifer https://t.co/lMmP2JTDQY
— THREE (@DwyaneWade) July 15, 2014
The exit of James and the additions of forwards Luol Deng, Josh McRoberts and Danny Granger give Miami a new look heading into the 2014-15 season.
James and Wade's contracts are reminiscent of when both All-Stars signed nearly identical contracts in 2006 that ultimately allowed them to opt out in the 2010 and play in Miami together.
While the short-term contracts leave James and Wade flexibility to determine where they play out the remainder of their careers, the fact that the two have coinciding player options leaves open the possibility of the two opting out next summer and reteaming somewhere.
James, though, appears determined to remain in Cleveland and bring a championship home. He compared playing in Miami to playing four years at college, and he acknowledged it would take time - and patience - to turn the Cavaliers into championship contenders.
