HoopsVibe

Their News: ”Dwyane Wade will remain in Miami on one condition: He wants the Heat to become championship contenders again, the quicker the better.

 Otherwise, he might need moving trucks next summer.

The reigning NBA scoring champion, who can opt out of his Heat contract after the 2009-10 season, said Monday that simply getting to the playoffs "is not enough" to satisfy him anymore and that his long-term commitment to Miami hinges entirely on the franchise getting back into the mix for the title trophy he hoisted just three years ago.” (Associated Press found via ESPN news)
 
Our Quick Analysis: If the team is a contender, he’ll consider staying.

After much speculation, Dwyane Wade clarified his intentions regarding next summer’s pending free agency: ‘Flash’ will consider re-signing with the Miami Heat, but only if South Beach is in contention for an NBA Title.

Translation: Wade wants Heat executive Pat Riley to get him immediate help.

It’s hard to fault the two-guard’s comments. After all, many of the league’s superstars got new teammates this summer. For instance, LeBron’s Cavaliers added Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe’s Lakers swapped Trevor Ariza for Ron Artest, and Boston’s ‘Big Three’ is now ‘The Big Four’ with post Rasheed Wallace.

While the strong have gotten stronger, Miami has held firm with their MVP candidate and a crew of youngsters. So this is about leverage.

To be fair, the entire class of 2010 is taking a wait-and-see approach. Chris Bosh has informed the struggling Raptors he’ll opt-out next July, while James, even with an exceptionally strong team, hasn’t signed anything with the Cavaliers.

But Wade’s squad is lodged in the middle. Last year, Miami finished above ‘CB4’ and Toronto in the standings, but far back of ‘King James’ and Cleveland. Clearly, he’s using his expiring contract and star status to encourage Riley to upgrade his supporting cast.

So far, the oil slick GM hasn’t cooperated. And the consequences of such inactivity could be felt next summer.

Is Wade forcing Miami to improve their squad? Is ‘Flash’ looking to leave the Heat? Get at us in the comment box below and come back to HoopsVibe The Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of Killbucky.