Could Dwyane Wade Really Leave Miami Heat?

The Chicago Tribune’s Sam Smith reports on Dwyane Wade possibly leaving Miami:

Don’t believe Wade is in Miami for life.Yes, he has three years left on his extension, and no, the Heat isn’t about to trade him. Not now, anyway. But no true star of the game — which Wade had become — has gone through anything like this. Ever. Stars flame out, and Wade’s people know this. The public’s memory is short. New stars evolve.Riley has a reputation around the NBA for wearing out his stars with his grueling practices and power game. Many believe his tactics shortened Patrick Ewing’s career.

Wade can become a free agent after the 2009-10 season, which is when Ben Wallace’s deal ends. The Bulls could be a major free-agent player then, and while it is a long time to wait, Wade will be just 28 and in his prime. And as the Bulls have seen, it’s tough to get a star.

My Quick Take: Two words for Miami Heat fans: code red. Dwayne Wade leaving South Beach as an unrestricted free agent in three seasons is the worst scenario.

Everybody else is expendable. Shaquille O’Neal can bounce; Coach Riley can flee the mess he created to the sanity of the front office. In fact, both moves improve the franchise.

However, D-Wade bolting changes everything. Miami, without their star, would be starting over. Think expansion squad. And think of the publicity hit.

Eighteen months ago journalists and fans would’ve been committed for proposing such a thought. Wade and Miami seemed a perfect match. They won an NBA Title and the off-court, marketing thing worked too.

But Smith is right to throw this idea out. First off, he’s the legendary beat writer for the Chicago Bulls. Wade is also from the Windy City. I’m guessing Smith knows something we don’t.

Also, Miami looks dysfunctional. And dysfunctional is worse than being bad. They mortgaged everything for their NBA Title and are paying a heavy price.

The worry is whether they’ll pay the ultimate price and watch Wade leave.

Could Wade really leave Miami? Let us know in the comment box below or discuss all things basketball related in our fan forum.

The AM Take is Oly’s morning thoughts on the NBA, appearing Sunday through Friday on HoopsVibe.com. Errors can be attributed to the time and his need for another coffee. Click here to get his AM Take and subscribe to his blog.