Game on! Dwyane Wade is exploring all his NBA free agency options again.
Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting he will be meeting with the Milwaukee Bucks and Chicago Bulls following his meeting with the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday.
Sources on @TheVertical: Beyond Denver meeting for Dwyane Wade in New York today: Milwaukee, Chicago meetings set. Miami possible too now.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 6, 2016
Yesterday, ESPN’s Marc Stein reported that, despite Denver’s higher offer (by $10 million over two years) the expectation of many is that Wade will still return to Miami (more on that here). But at this time, it sure looks like Wade’s issues with Pat Riley in Miami may be overriding any sense of loyalty he once had.
Wojnarowski reports the only team that has considered giving Wade his desired three-year deal is Chicago, but it wouldn’t be a full guarantee.
Sources on @TheVertical: So far, closest Wade has to a third-year on deal: Chicago w/ a partial guarantee. Denver, Miami offering two years.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 6, 2016
The rumors of a reunion with LeBron James in Cleveland have proven to be just hot air. Wade could only earn $3.4 million this upcoming season with the Cavaliers, and James has reportedly made it abundantly clear he won’t sign for the veteran minimum to get his good buddy Wade a big deal.
Of the four options on the table currently, perhaps Chicago is the most intriguing. Pairing Wade to play with Jimmy Butler could be a winning combination, especially since Wade isn’t a true volume shooter.
Denver and Milwaukee are both rather pedestrian destinations, though the Bucks would at least have a shot to make noise in the playoffs, being in the Eastern Conference. The Nuggets will have no chance, with or without Wade.
Still, one wonders if Miami isn’t the best place for Wade to finish his career. If he and Riley can work things out, it’s probably for the best.