Dwyane Wade stays put in Miami with one-year, $20 million deal

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Dwyane Wade tested the waters elsewhere, but ultimately decided he's content with South Beach in Miami.

The Heat retained their high-priority free agent on Thursday, signing Wade to a one-year contract worth $20 million, according to The Associated Press. 

Wade, who turns 34 this season, opted out of his contract with the Heat and had been exploring other options via free agency, reportedly drawing interest from the Lakers and Cavaliers. But the veteran guard has played his entire 12-year career in Miami, winning three championships, and opted to remain loyal to team president Pat Riley and accept what was likely his most lucrative offer.

“The Heat family and I have shared incredible moments over the years and I look forward to continuing our journey," Wade said in a statement to the AP. "The Heat family and I have shared incredible moments over the years and I look forward to continuing our journey. I am extremely proud of my personal contributions in helping to build the Heat franchise and for bringing three NBA championship wins to our great city."

Wade's agent, Henry Thomas, also confirmed the signing.

"This contract is a win-win for both Dwyane and the Heat," Thomas wrote. "Not only does Dwyane get to extend his Hall of Fame-worthy career with the only franchise for whom he has ever played, but he will have the flexibility next summer to sign an additional deal."

Wade's reputation has slowed in recent years as age and injuries crept up on the 11-time All-Star. He still averaged 21.5 points per game last season, though hampered by a knee injury at times. But the Heat, equally banged up, struggled as a team and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2007-08.

The return of a healthy Wade and forward Chris Bosh should mean good things. The Heat also re-signed point guard Goran Dragic this week and snagged former Duke forward Justise Winslow with the 10th overall pick in the NBA Draft, widely considered a huge steal.

So a once-uncertain offseason is starting to look like a successful one in Miami.

 

 

 

 

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