Miami

Wade Open to Idea of Leaving Heat: Report

Dwyane Wade is reportedly open to the idea of leaving the Heat this off-season

The Miami Heat could have a dilemma on their hands as Dwyane Wade would consider leaving the team, according to a report by the Miami Herald.

Wade has a player option for the 2015-16 season which would pay him $16.1 million if he does not decide to opt out of his deal. It is widely expected that Wade will indeed opt out of the contract, but he could still work out a new deal with the Heat.

Wade has played his entire 12-year career with the Heat and has been a member of all three championship teams. When LeBron James bolted last off-season, Wade was vocal about his desire to be a "Heat Lifer". However, he would still appear to be paid handsomely for his services at the same time.

The report states that the Heat and Wade have big differences in opinion when it comes to his value over the next three seasons. While Wade would apparently like to be paid like a superstar, the team would prefer to get him at a bargain rate. The goal of that mindset for Miami would be flexibility to add more players around Wade.

When James and Chris Bosh joined Wade in 2010, the three men took less money in order to make a run at multiple titles. Wade once again gave Miami a discount last off-season while his counterpart Bosh signed a max deal.

If Wade opts out and ends up outside of Miami, Pat Riley and his staff will find themselves in a precarious position. Not only is Wade an important on-court presence, but it'd be a big loss off-the-court as well where Wade is a local hero.

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