Eastern Notes: Wade, Carroll, Howard

Dwyane Wade doesn’t see his friendship with LeBron James or any other opposing NBA player as a cause for concern, Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel writes. “I use the analogy, it’s just like growing up with my brothers,” Wade said. “I love ’em to death, but I want to beat them every time. That’s the same thing. I love ‘Bron. My respect for Kobe, my friendship with all these guys, I love ’em all. But I want to beat them every time, and vice versa.”

Here’s more from the Eastern Conference:

• DeMarre Carroll has not played since January and the Raptors should consider shutting him down for the rest of the season, Doug Smith of the Toronto Star argues. Smith believes the team has good chemistry at the moment and integrating Carroll into the rotation may keep the team from making a serious run in the playoffs. Carroll’s $13.6MM salary for the 2015/16 campaign, which is the first year of a four-year, $58MM deal, is the highest on the team.
• Dwight Howard may flirt with the Magic this offseason, but a reunion between Orlando and the center can only end horribly, George Diaz of the Orlando Sentinel opines. Diaz doesn’t believe Howard can be the face of the franchise and believes the 30-year-old wouldn’t get along with coach Scott Skiles.
• The 2015/16 campaign has been a disappointment for the Nets, but Rondae Hollis-Jefferson has been a bright spot for the team, Brian Lewis of the New York Post writes. The rookie wing even received praise from James after Brooklyn’s recent win against the Cavs. “I think he’s going to be a really good player for them,” James said. The Nets acquired Hollis-Jefferson’s rights on draft night last June.