Sources: Wade eyes $50M deal; Heat offer $40M
Dwyane Wade‘s representatives have told teams that the All-Star is seeking a deal worth around $50 million over two years, currently leaving the salary cap-strapped Miami Heat short, sources told ESPN.com.
The Denver Nuggets and Chicago Bulls, in addition to the Heat, continue to be in talks with Wade, but Denver and Chicago both have more cap space than Miami.
The Heat recently raised their offer to two years and approximately $40 million.
The Milwaukee Bucks, who were only in a position to clear about $17 million in cap space, are currently not in the bidding. Wade canceled a planned meeting with the Bucks, sources said.
Though there have been rumors that Wade is talking to the Cleveland Cavaliers, there is no traction between the parties, sources said. The Cavs currently have no cap space and could only offer their $3.4 million mid-level exception.
Wade, who was upset with the Heat prioritizing free agents Hassan Whiteside and Kevin Durant, has pushed the Heat to increase their $20 million per season offer, sources said.
Miami could create more cap space by trading one of its current players, with forward Josh McRoberts being an option.
Wade is from Chicago and he considered the Bulls in free agency in 2010. The Nuggets have been recruiting Wade since July 1 and also have had talks with Heat free agent and Wade friend Udonis Haslem. Haslem nearly joined the Nuggets in 2010 before re-signing with the Heat.
