There's a reason Heat fans haven't heard from Dwyane Wade as he contemplates his future. The three-time champion and one-time Finals MVP will turn 37 in January, and after multiple knee and back issues, he's been a husk of his Hall of Fame self with increasing frequency these last few years. But that's not to say he's completely washed. Just ask the Sixers after he dropped 28 points in 25 minutes—embarrassing Kevin Hart—to secure a Game 2 win in last year's playoffs.
But while Wade only has eyes for South Beach, he still hasn't committed to a swan song season where he can bask in the glow of all that he's meant to Miami sports fans. Writer Greg Cote details in the Miami Herald details what the holdup may be:
I am also told by representatives of the club and of the player that Wade being comfortable with his role is critical. He returned last midseason in a bench role, a reserve in all 21 games. He also came off the bench in all five playoffs games. (It would have been four playoff games, but Wade scored 28 points in 26 minutes to give Miami its only postseason win, reminding us what he still is capable of at least in bursts).
The internet swarm collectively pilloried Carmelo Anthony for his steadfast refusal to come off the bench in Oklahoma City last season, so it'll be interesting to see how Wade is perceived if PT becomes a sticking point in any negotiations with Pat Riley. We hope they get it done and coach Erik Spoelstra impresses upon Wade the value of being an offensive spark in a sixth man's role, which would be a fun award for him to gun for in his senior season. If things don't work out, though, China beckons—along with all the promotional tie-ins his Way of Wade line provides.
