He's spent his entire 12-year career in Miami, but Heat guard Dwayne Wade and the Lakers reportedly have a "mutual interest" in bringing him out West, sources tell Sports Illustrated.
Rumors have been swirling for weeks that the 11-time All-Star might leave Miami if they can't agree on his new contract. Wade has the right to opt out of his current deal, and is set to rake in $16.1 million next season should he exercise his option to do so.
The expectation is that Wade will opt out of the deal and at least test the open market. While it is possible that the guard decides to head elsewhere, opting out does not close the door on him remaining in Miami.
While covering the NBA Finals for ABC, Wade fueled the fire of the rumor mill even more by referring to his time in Miami in the past tense saying "When I was in Miami."
Heat president Pat Riley has hands his full this off-season as he tries to maneuver cap space and keep his team in contention. Goran Dragic is set to become a free agent on July 1st and there could be heavy competition to retain his services. Miami reportedly is working on a five-year offer for Dragic.
If Wade was to exit Miami, it could have a domino effect on Dragic. The point guard may wait to see what Wade does before deciding his next move. Luol Deng can also opt out of his deal which could mean 3/5 of Miami's starting lineup disappears in the blink of an eye.
While the Heat are closer to winning a Championship than the Lakers are, Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix points out that the Lakers have plenty of cap space.
