Miami Heat must contend or Dwyane Wade leaves in July 2010

July 07 09

Breaking news mixed with analysis …

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.

11 Comments: Miami Heat must contend or Dwyane Wade leaves in July (...)

Posted by
antwon
on 07.12.2009

I THINK WADE SHOULD COME TO CHICAGO SO THAT HE AND ROSE CAN UPLIFT OUR HOMETOWN TO THAT NEXT TITLE .

Posted by
wangming
on 07.11.2009

Posted by
Snika
on 07.8.2009

Getting Iverson with not suffice to make this team a title contender. The Heat will have to give up Beasley, it is the only bargaining chip that could help bring a second tier star. Amare or Bosh are the most available, and probably the best fits. Make a play at Greg Oden or take a chance with T-Mac. They are going to have to get creative because here is what there tradable people look like... JO - aging quickly, Haslem - huge contract, average player, Mario Chalmers - young and talented, but very unproven, Beasley - talented but inconsistent, Moon - bench player on any good team. .

Posted by

on 07.8.2009

Posted by
Vic the flight 44
on 07.8.2009

No for Allen Iverson... I also agree that allen is a good player but he cannot help the heat the way he played for Detroit. I like Amare or Chris BoshChalmersWadeJ.OnealBeasleyAmare or Bosh .

Posted by
melo boy
on 07.7.2009

cocky prick! ur getting 80 million dollars and ur unhappy?? .

Posted by
NO WAY
on 07.7.2009

Coach W unless Riley is gonna coach the heat I don’t see this working and Allen has to be a starter WILL NOT come off the bench he’s not a team player. Wade is so desperate for help he wants anything because it’s better then nothing but I don’t see it working... but hey then again what do you have to lose but "D WADE"... BETTER THINK LONG AND HARD BEFORE HEAT MAKES THIS MOVE. .

Posted by

on 07.7.2009

Allen is not a good fit I agree he is a great player but one that will NEVER win a championship he is not a team player. If Curry was the issue being a new coach what about heat’s coach? Trust me I Allen is not the answer for the Heats question Wade needs a team player and Iverson is not it........................... .

Posted by
Istvan
on 07.7.2009

Chris Bosh has NOT informed the Raptors he’ll opt-out next July.He decided not to sign a contract extension this Summer. .

Posted by

on 07.7.2009

Yeah what he said! .

Posted by
Coach W
on 07.7.2009

Wade’s comments are more than appropriate. With the lakers getting so much stronger after winning the title, and cleveland and boston making moves that may or may not have a huge impact, it is time for the heat to lay it on the line. While everyone has shot down joe dumars for his deal for iverson last season, he knew he no longer had a championship caliber team, and rather then being at a standstill, he made a move. In the end I think it was all too much for the inexperienced coach Michael Curry, but no one can accuse Dumars of not trying to make positive changes. Riley should take a leaf of of Joe’s book. While the heat are competitive, the are certainly not even a conference finals team at this stage. I would suggest they go after Allen Iverson like has been rumoured to add a 3rd option scorer in the starting 5, wade and oneal being the only other 2 in the starting group that can damage opponents. Iverson will add a toughness that the heat need, scorer power at the point spot, and incredible determination and will to win ball games, and can add some veteran leadership and knowledge to such a young group. AI has not been known for his leadership in the past, however this offseason must have bruised his ego, and as proud a person as he is, I am sure he is now out to prove people wrong yet again. The last time we saw him on a real mission was when the sixers made the NBA Finals and he was MVP.I can understand that some may think a Iverson/Wade backcourt would not work due to the need for both to dominate the ball. This is a fair argument, but I think the upside and potential of a backcourt tandem that could average close to 55 a night together , has a bigger impact and a greater reward. Both Wade and Iverson have been known to play both the 1 and 2 spots throughout games. The ability to interchange positions is a big advantage, as is the fact that with an uptemo offence, they would be very hard to catch in a transition style game. AI has never been a brilliant 1on1 lock down defender, but he has always been very effective in the passing lanes because he gambles , is quick, and has surprinsingly long arms. That would add another dimension to the defensive mindset of the group. Iverson in a Heat uniform next season will atleast show Wade that they are trying to do the right thing by him and bring help to South Beach. If it does work, Riley looks like a genius and Wade signs an extension, if it doesnt, Mario Chalmers is there to run the show. Look forward to hearing some thoughts!! .

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Miami Heat must contend or Dwyane Wade leaves in July 2010

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