Dwyane Wade Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Heat Rumors: Winslow, Wade, Robinson, Weber

August 31st, 2018 at 10:03am CST by Luke Adams

It remains to be seen how aggressive the Heat will be in trying to lock up Justise Winslow to a rookie scale extension this offseason, according to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald, who writes that the team has yet to present an offer to the fourth-year forward. The Heat also haven’t indicated whether or not an offer will be forthcoming, but the two sides are expected to meet in the coming weeks, Jackson reports.

Miami will have until October 15, the day before the start of the regular season, to work out an extension with Winslow. Without a new deal in place, the former lottery pick would be on track to reach restricted free agency in 2019, and one GM tells Jackson that he could see the 22-year-old fielding offers starting at about $9MM per year. Of course, Winslow’s play in 2018/19 would go a long way toward determining his market value next summer.

Here’s more on the Heat:

It doesn’t appear that anyone outside of Dwyane Wade‘s inner circle knows his intentions for the coming season, but two sources – one Heat person and one person who has spoken to Wade – tell Jackson that Wade “seems inclined to play” in 2018/19. That’s far from definitive though. The future Hall-of-Famer has been mulling a return to the Heat, but it’s still possible that he’ll follow fellow veterans Manu Ginobili and David West into retirement.
The Heat haven’t ruled out the possibility of converting Duncan Robinson‘s two-way contract to a standard NBA deal if he impresses the club during training camp and the preseason, writes Jackson. Even if Wade and Udonis Haslem re-sign with Miami, the team would have one open spot on its 15-man roster for the regular season.
Briante Weber finds himself in a familiar spot this fall, as he prepares to head to training camp with the Heat for the third time in his four-year professional career. Weber, who has only ever appeared in a single regular season game for the Heat, is hoping that his fourth overall contract with the club will be the one that sticks, as Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel details.

Southeast Notes: Robinson, Hornets, Wade, Carter

August 25th, 2018 at 1:47pm CST by clarkcrum

Despite being invited to participate with USA Basketball in its World Cup qualifying round games, Heat swingman Duncan Robinson has opted to remain in Miami for informal team workouts in the hopes of landing a standard NBA contract for the upcoming season, reports Ira Winderman of the Sun-Sentinel.

“I’m really proud in the fact that Duncan Robinson has been invited to play in the international series,” said Heat team president Pat Riley, “but he decided to stay here because he wanted to make our team, he wants to force us into giving him a real (standard NBA) contract.”

Robinson, 24, signed a two-way contract with the Heat on July 10th that would limit him to 45 days in the NBA this coming season and maximum earnings of about $385K, per Winderman. A standard NBA contract at the rookie minimum would pay Robinson just north of $838K.

Robinson says that his goal in passing over the opportunity to play for Team USA is to maximize his opportunities in the Heat developmental program. “I mean the margin between having this job or being overseas or being in the G League, whatever it might be, is so thin,” Robinson said. “And I understand that. I understand I caught some breaks and was able to put myself in a situation to be successful. I’m certainly thankful for that.”

There’s more today out of the Southeast Division:

The Hornets have struggled to attract big name free agents since the franchise returned to North Carolina in 2004, but Rick Bonnell of The Charlotte Observer doesn’t think it has as much to do with the city of Charlotte itself as it has to do with the team’s lack of cap space. Per Bonnell, money is the No. 1 factor in free agency and, unfortunately, the Hornets don’t have significant space under the salary cap now or in the immediate future.
In another piece for the Sun-Sentinel, Winderman opines that Riley is fully committed to signing Wade to a free agent contract this summer, luxury tax concerns be darned. Riley’s greater concern would be Wade’s level of commitment. Per Winderman, Riley would likely want a commitment from Wade that this season isn’t simply a retirement tour, but that Wade is seriously interested in making the Heat a better team.
While Vince Carter could have spurned the Hawks and signed with a serious title contender this offseason, he tells Chris Vivlamore of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that such a quest is “not his style.” Rather, Carter will be relied upon to be a veteran influence over the youthful roster Atlanta has assembled. “Let them see me and let them see how annoying I can be, but in a good way,” Carter said during an introductory press conference. “I’m going to stay in their ear. At least you know at any time throughout the year, whether it’s practice games, any situation, they will have me to fall back on. Or I’ll come up to them and help them out any way I can.”

Southeast Notes: Hamilton, Carter, Howard, Wade

August 23rd, 2018 at 4:23pm CST by Arthur Hill

After two years of being a fringe player for Oklahoma City, Daniel Hamilton is excited about the opportunity that awaits him with the Hawks, writes Chris Vivlamore of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The 23-year-old shooting guard signed this week and hopes to become part of a young core in Atlanta.

“They just told me to come in and be the best version of me I can be,” he said. “… facilitating, getting teammates better. Knocking down the open shot. Playing defense. Being able to guard different positions. Just being versatile. Versatility is my biggest asset.”

The Nuggets took Hamilton with the 56th pick in 2016 and traded him to the Thunder on draft night. He spent his entire first season in the G League, then signed a two-way deal last year that saw him play just six games at the NBA level.

“It went by fast but it felt like a long journey,” Hamilton said. “… There are different levels to it. Each and every level, I get tougher. That’s why I train and put the work in, to be prepared for moments like this.”

There’s more from the Southeast Division:

Nearly a month after Vince Carter committed to joining the Hawks, his official signing will take place tomorrow, Vivlamore tweets. The 41-year-old has said he expects this to be his final NBA season.
Stan Van Gundy, who coached Dwight Howard during his rise to stardom with the Magic, says it has been difficult to witness what has happened to him in recent years. Howard, who signed with the Wizards after being traded by the Hornets and bought out by the Nets this summer, will start his third consecutive season with a new team. “It changed on Dwight quickly and it’s been not a lot of fun to watch from the outside because this guy was the best centers in the game for a long time,” Van Gundy said in a video posted by The Orlando Sentinel.
If Dwyane Wade returns to the Heat, his contract could range from the $2.4MM veteran’s minimum to the $5.3MM mid-level exception, and the difference would be significant for the team, notes Ira Winderman of The Sun-Sentinel. With tax penalties, a $5.3MM salary would cost the Heat $14.2MM and move them into the second level of the tax multiplier. A minimum salary would carry a total cost of $3.8MM and make it easier for Miami to escape the tax with a trade later in the season. “I don’t think this is about negotiating a mid-level or dollars,” team president Pat Riley said. “It’s about getting Dwyane back. It’s not really about the tax right now. Even though we have a tax situation, we’ll work our way around that.”

Heat Want Dwyane Wade Back, Will Meet Soon

August 23rd, 2018 at 10:20am CST by Dana Gauruder

Heat president Pat Riley will meet with Dwyane Wade in the near future with the goal of signing Wade for at least one more season, Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press tweets. “We want him back,” Riley said.

Riley also wants to re-sign big man Udonis Haslem. The Heat have been holding roster spots for both longtime veterans.

According to Riley’s ‘gut feeling,’ Haslem will be back. Wade’s return is less certain.

Riley indicated that Wade’s return is not linked to offering the team’s full taxpayer mid-level exception of $5.3MM, according to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel (Twitter links).

The Heat already have nearly $127MM in salary commitments, which would put them over the luxury tax threshold.

Wade recently stated he wouldn’t play overseas after he reportedly received a lucrative offer from a Chinese team. Haslem has been working out with other Miami players in anticipation he’ll re-sign with the team he’s played for the past 15 seasons.

Eastern Rumors: Embiid, Wade, Kander, Magic

August 15th, 2018 at 12:25pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Joel Embiid‘s ability to work out this summer without restrictions may turn out to be the Sixers’ biggest offseason improvement, as Derek Bodner of The Athletic details. Embiid has always been in rehab mode from foot or knee injuries during his previous offseasons, Bodner notes. This summer, Embiid has been working with renown skills coach Drew Hanlen to refine his offensive game, which could vault Embiid into a greater level of dominance and consistency, Bodner continues. Hanlen has put a great emphasis on making Embiid virtually unstoppable in the low post while also creating more open looks for his teammates and committing fewer turnovers, Bodner adds.

We have more from around the Eastern Conference:

If Dwyane Wade returns to the Heat, he’ll be part of the rotation, according to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel. Adding Wade to the backcourt would create a logjam that would likely cut dramatically into Tyler Johnson‘s minutes, Winderman adds. Wade has indicated if he plays next season, it will be with the Heat.
Former Pistons strength and conditioning coach Arnie Kander has turned down a position with the franchise but will remain in a consultant’s role, Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press tweets. Kander, who worked with the team for 23 seasons, has given the front office input on its search for a new medical director and has also been involved in Reggie Jackson‘s offseason training, Ellis continues. Last season’s director of sports medicine and head trainer, Jon Ishop, is no longer with the organization, Ellis adds.
The Magic will not host the All-Star Game until at least 2024, Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel reports. The franchise put in a bid to host the 2023 All-Star Weekend and were informed by league officials that another location will be selected, Robbins continues. The sites for the next three All-Star Games have already been set, starting with Charlotte next season, and Orlando can’t host in 2022 because of a major convention in the city, Robbins adds.

‘Heat Only’ For Dwyane Wade

August 11th, 2018 at 7:53pm CST by Arthur Hill

Forget about any possibility of Dwyane Wade continuing his career in China next season, tweets Manny Navarro of The Miami Herald. Wade still hasn’t made a final decision on whether to keep playing, but if he does it will be in Miami.

“Heat only,” Wade said today in an appearance at the Jr. NBA World Championships in Orlando. “If I play the game of basketball this year it will be in a Miami uniform. If I don’t I’ll be living in Miami or somewhere else probably.”

Wade reportedly received a three-year, $25MM offer last month to join the Zhejiang Golden Bulls of the Chinese Basketball Association. He’s a well-known figure in China and visited the nation in July for the announcement of a lifetime contract with Li-Ning, a Chinese apparel company.

Wade’s insistence to play in Miami is consistent with his reaction when the Cavaliers traded him to the Heat in February. After spending his first 13 NBA seasons in South Florida, Wade left in 2016 over a salary dispute, but never seemed comfortable in Chicago or Cleveland. He averaged 12.0 PPG in 21 contests after returning to Miami last season and helped the Heat reach the playoffs.

There are rumors that Wade wants at least some of the team’s $5.34MM taxpayer mid-level exception before he’ll agree to re-sign. The Heat are already in luxury-tax territory and would prefer to have Wade return on a veteran’s minimum deal that would pay him $2.4MM.

Wade also told reporters he doesn’t see any urgency to make a decision soon, although team president Pat Riley recently said he expects to a decision by mid-August.

The Heat have 13 players under contract, in addition to a pair of two-way players, with two spots being kept open for Wade and Udonis Haslem, who also hasn’t decided whether to continue his NBA career. Miami already has a crowded backcourt, notes Ira Winderman of The Sun-Sentinel, with Goran Dragic, Tyler Johnson, Wayne Ellington and Rodney McGruder already in place and Dion Waiters returning from ankle surgery.

“As much as I would love to be back, you got so many different things that you look at, that I have to look at,” Wade said. “My teammates have been great. The young guys, you want to be there for them, but, also, you want to play. So it’s a lot of different things that come into play there. But, ultimately, no matter what happens, I’m a Lifer, Miami Heat for life.”

Heat Notes: Wade, Winslow, T. Johnson, R. Anderson

August 5th, 2018 at 9:05am CST by Arthur Hill

Dwyane Wade‘s decision on whether to return for a 16th season remains on hold as he concentrates on his duties as official ambassador to the Jr. NBA World Championships this week, writes Ira Winderman of The Sun-Sentinel. The inaugural event for 13- and 14-year-olds is being held at the Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World.

Wade didn’t offer any clues to his future, but he said it was gratifying to return to Miami in a February trade after a frustrating half season with the Cavaliers.

“I enjoyed being around the guys,” he said. “Obviously, I didn’t like the fact we lost 4-1 [to the Philadelphia 76ers] in the playoffs. But for me to get back to my comfort zone and show that being in the right situation with the right opportunities that I could still play this game — maybe not above the rim but play the game at a level that can help the team be successful — all those things for me were great.”

While contemplating his future, Wade has spent much of the summer watching his son, Zaire, play in AAU events. Much like LeBron James did in opting to join the Lakers, Wade said family concerns will play a big role in determining his future.

“Every decision at this point,” he said, “especially in a professional athlete’s career, at 36 years old, a lot of it surrounds their families and what’s best for them and their families.”

There’s more this morning from Miami:

Justise Winslow tells Rohan Nadkarni of Sports Illustrated there was some “animosity” when Wade left Miami two years ago to sign with the Bulls. Wade felt disrespected by the offers he was getting from the Heat and opted to maximize his earning potential in Chicago. Winslow, who considered Wade a mentor, said they had some heated exchanges in their first game after the move, but have since worked things out.
Winslow, who is eligible for an extension this summer, doesn’t care if a long-term deal is worked out right away or in free agency next year, Nadkarni adds in the same piece. After injuries limited to 18 games in 2016/17, Winslow bounced back strong last season, showing the versatility the Heat were hoping for when they drafted him 10th overall in 2015.
A rumored trade that would send Tyler Johnson to the Rockets for Ryan Anderson may not make sense for Miami, Winderman writes in a mailbag column. Anderson has a slightly larger contract, making $20.4MM and $21.3MM over the next two seasons compared to $19.2MM each for Johnson. Winderman doesn’t see a trade happening unless the Heat can unload more salary.

Heat Notes: Waiters, Johnson, Newman, McGruder

August 4th, 2018 at 9:27am CST by Dana Gauruder

The Heat may use Dion Waiters as the primary backup to starting point guard Goran Dragic if Waiters’ ankle issues are behind him, according to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel. Coach Erik Spoelstra was using Waiters in a playmaking role before he was sidelined last season. Tyler Johnson isn’t suited for that role, Winderman continues, because he expends too much effort and takes too time advancing the ball. Spoelstra tends to use a variety of players who take turns handling the ball, which is why there is uncertainty about that role aside from Dragic.

In other news regarding the team:

Miami has made Johnson, Hassan Whiteside and Waiters available in trade talks this summer but hasn’t found much of a market for the trio, two unnamed league GMs told Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. The Heat’s best chance of falling under the luxury-tax threshold would be moving Johnson for a player making less money, Jackson adds.
The Heat agreed to a contract with former Kansas guard Malik Newman with the intent of making him a G League affiliate player, Winderman writes in a separate story. Those deals are limited to a $50K guarantee. The team has already filled both of its two-contract slots with Duncan Robinson and Yante Maten, while the regular roster already has five rotation options at the guard spots with the possibility of Dwyane Wade making that situation even more muddled if he’s re-signed.
Finding a steady role for Rodney McGruder will be a challenge for Spoelstra next season, Winderman writes in another mailbag. McGruder was a starter when Miami made its second-half run in 2016/17, Winderman notes, but a leg injury sidetracked him last season. With Josh Richardson and Waiters starting at the wing spots and Justise Winslow, Johnson and Wayne Ellington as options behind them, it’s tough to see where McGruder fits in, Winderman adds.

Dwyane Wade Remains Noncommittal On Future

July 30th, 2018 at 4:00pm CST by Luke Adams

Asked on Monday about his plans for the upcoming NBA season, Dwyane Wade remained noncommittal, according to Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press. Wade’s options include a return to the Heat, a deal overseas, or possible retirement, but he’s not ready to announce any decision quite yet.

“In due time,” Wade said. “Time will tell.”

Wade is considered extremely unlikely to play for any NBA team besides the Heat at this point in his career, but there’s no guarantee he’ll continue his playing career at all — and no guarantee he’ll do so in the NBA. A team in China reportedly made Wade a three-year offer worth $25MM, though it’s not clear whether that proposal is still on the table.

According to Reynolds (via Twitter), Wade said today that “every decision” he makes going forward will hinge in large part on what’s best for his family. Reading between the lines, Wade may not view a move to China for the next three years as being in his family’s best interests, though it’d represent a larger payday than he could receive in the NBA.

The Heat have been waiting to hear from both Wade and Udonis Haslem about whether or not they want to continue playing in Miami, and have kept roster spots open for both players. If Haslem returns, he’d get a minimum-salary contract, but a new deal with Wade may require some negotiations.

Reports have indicated that Wade may be seeking the Heat’s $5.34MM taxpayer mid-level exception, and Pat Riley said last week that owner Micky Arison would have a major say in that decision, since Miami’s team salary is already into luxury-tax territory.

Pat Riley Talks Wade, Haslem, Winslow, Whiteside

July 27th, 2018 at 1:43pm CST by Luke Adams

The futures of Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem remain uncertain for now, but Heat president Pat Riley said today on a conference call that he expects both players to make decisions within the next few weeks on whether or not they want to return to Miami. While Wade and Haslem have reportedly received overseas interest, there’s a belief that both players are more likely to either re-sign with the Heat or retire.

As Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald details, Riley said that he expects to have some clarity on both players by the middle of August. The Heat president also spoke specifically about the club’s desire to re-sign Wade.

“I want Dwyane back as a player, a guy who wants to have the greatest year he’s ever had as a player,” Riley said of the longtime Heat star. “I read more articles about Dwyane might not have the same motivation, but I still see a player who can contribute heavily if he really wants to. If he plays, he’s going to want to do it. We don’t want him back as a placemat holder or someone who’s going to be a veteran in the locker room. Dwyane is a great player, a great talent. He can make a big difference for us.”

There have been reports indicating that Wade would want the $5.337MM taxpayer mid-level exception if he returns to the Heat, but Riley deflected an inquiry about whether the team would be willing to offer its MLE, suggesting that’s a question for owner Micky Arison.

Here’s more from Riley, via Jackson:

Riley dismissed the idea that he’s frustrated by not being able to make any real upgrades to last year’s roster, telling reporters that “continuity is important” for the club.
The Heat have been in touch with Justise Winslow‘s agent, but discussions about a rookie scale contract extension are unlikely to become serious until later in the offseason. “We are going to address that in late August, once everything dies down,” Riley said. “We look at Justise as one of our anchor pieces. We will have that extension discussion in late August. We don’t have to do anything until mid-October.”
Riley confirmed that the Heat haven’t been willing to surrender young players and picks in order to trade highly-priced veterans this offseason. “We have had opportunities this summer to do that a lot and it wasn’t worth getting rid of our young assets or picks coming up, so we decided to stand pat with team that we have,” he said.
According to Riley, there have been “great discussions” between head coach Erik Spoelstra and disgruntled center Hassan Whiteside. Riley says he expects Whiteside to have a big year in 2018/19 and claimed that the big man “has not been shopped all over the league.”