Wade Might Want to Stay in Miami, But Waiting Game Makes Sense

LeBron is still playing. Kobe’s still playing. Even Melo, who however unfairly seems to have snuck into this conversation, has a truly awesome squad at his disposal. Among the league’s absolute elites, it’s only Dwyane Wade who is both sitting at home and might not be in a position to contend any time soon. In other words, cue the creepy 2010 sound effects, and get the Miami out there looking for the slightest sniff of what Wade’s thinking.↵
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↵From the imperial Ira Winderman comes this latest bit, which -- depending on how we decide to start interpreting Wade’s utterances -- is either fairly empty or a very clear message to management and fans alike. The following quotes came at the Summer Groove Hosted by Zo and D. Wade, which featured Wade’s name in the title for the first time:↵↵⇥Wade said any fears of him walking away from either the franchise or the Groove are premature and misplaced. “I’ve said this since Day 1 and I will continue to say it, this is where I want to be,” he said after the completion of Thursday’s formal presentation. “My main thing, and I will continue to say it, would be winning. I want to get to the point where I know that every year we’re going to be competitive and we’re going to win.↵⇥
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↵⇥“I’m not the guy who wants to lead the league in scoring every year. I’m the guy that wants people to come down here and be a part of something that can be great and win championships.”↵↵

The whole “I want to continue to be involved in charitable ventures around here” is so thin, you’d think it’s a smokescreen. But from what Wade goes on to say -- and the fact that he’s speaking candidly about it when he could easily refuse comment -- you get the sense he does want to stay in Miami. It’s a team that will have cap space. The coach is young and talented. All that’s lacking is a supporting cast, and as Bron’s shown, it doesn’t take that much of one for an elite player to make some major noise in the playoffs. ↵
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↵Wade probably needs a little more help than James did (let’s face it, LeBron simply does more himself), and I don’t want to sell Mo Williams or Delonte West short. But Wade knows how good he is, realizes that the team might only be a few key pieces away, and has the backdrop to make recruitment that much easier. The “I don’t care about scoring” is practically an open letter to other stars considering relocating to South Beach in 2010, and really what place other than Cleveland is a more attractive destination for Wade or any other of that year’s super-class.↵
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↵All that said, I think Wade’s going to wait and make sure the team can provide him with this kind of situation. That was the point of the mini-max, and all good feelings aside, to prematurely sign an extension would defeat the purpose of trying to put pressure on the front office. Something that, if you read between all the platitudes, still comes through loud and clear in even these most comforting remarks.
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