Dwyane Wade doesn’t have to make a final decision on his player option for 2017/18 until next Tuesday, but at this point he’s leaning toward exercising that option, according to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.com.
Having signed last summer with the Bulls on a two-year deal that features an opt-out for year two, Wade would earn $23.8MM if he picks up his option for next season. While it’s possible that he could find an offer that exceeds that total figure on the open market, he’s unlikely to top that annual salary.
Wade, who will turn 36 next January, remains productive, but is coming off a season in which his numbers reached their lowest point since his rookie year. The 14-year veteran averaged 18.3 PPG with a career-low .434 FG% in 60 games for Chicago, failing to earn an All-Star nod for the first time since 2003/04.
Wade’s player option decision is complicated by the fact that he has no interest in being part of a rebuilding situation in Chicago, as Shelburne notes. Although a Jimmy Butler trade remains unlikely, Wade’s All-NBA teammate has been the subject of plenty of rumors already this week, so it makes sense for Wade to hold off on his player option decision until after the draft, in case the Bulls decide to move Butler.
Still, sources have indicated to Shelburne that Wade is leaning toward exercising his option for 2017/18 no matter what the Bulls do in the next week. It’s possible that stance is meant to discourage the Bulls from trading Butler, and Wade will continue to monitor that situation. However, the 12-time All-Star genuinely likes playing in his hometown, and has little interest in taking a significant pay cut after settling for discounts for several years in Miami, per Shelburne.
You better opt in boy, you aint getting that 23 million everywhere else, we all know Gabrielle kissing you bye bye if you go elsewhere lmao
Thanks again GarPax for including a player option in his contract. Another poor decision that looked bad at the time and looks equally bad now.
Still think he can be productive and score withing that 15-19 ppg range but whats the point? The Cavs should move Love and Shumpert for Butler, Love would blow up into that 25 ppg 12 rpg big again with the offense constructed around him, sure Wade wouldn’t have a problem playiny alongside Love.
So you’re lobbying for a lineup of: Rondo, Wade, Zipser, Love, Lopez with Shumpert as the 6th man? What’s the point of that? That’s still a team that would struggle to get the 8th seed… You’re not better. And you’re still don’t have a path to get better.
Maybe they could get Gay to be the SF.
How? They have no cap space. And is adding another iso player to the mix the best idea? This team already struggles with ball movement. Gay would just make that worse.
Rudy has been a more efficient player as of late. While I agree he may not help a borderline lottery team like the Bulls, he could help a playoff team get to that next level in an Iggy role. Funny thing is I believe he’s exactly the kind of player the Grizzlies need now
If I were Wade I would want to know what the intentions are regarding Butler. His name is out there too much for it to be “just a rumor”. Now Kevin Love’s name is also mentioned to but for different reasons. The Bulls don’t have a path to get better WITH Butler (you never hear rumors of them trying to add a star). Bulls seem like they are teetering on being a low seed that makes the playoffs versus rebuilding.
Wade has to weigh the $23 mil vs wasting another year of his career.
If the team struggles, Wade becomes a huge trade chip at the deadline. I could see a team like Cleveland or Clippers doing something
Huge trade chip? Wade?
Huge trade chip? Dude, it isn’t 2009.
The guy is turning 36, has horrific knees, plays 3 out of every 4 games, and is only a mere shell of the player he once was.
He’s in the twilight of his career.
He should opt in. Can’t turn down that money. He could get a buyout later in the season and go to San Antonio