It looks like Dwyane Wade will be back for a 13th consecutive season in a Miami Heat uniform.
Ira Winderman of The Sun Sentinel confirmed on Friday morning that Wade will opt in for the 2015-16 NBA season. The veteran shooting guard held a player option for 2015-16 worth $16.125 million.
Wade confirms that he is bypassing his opt out for this summer.
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) April 17, 2015
No one really expected Wade to depart for free agency, but it’s nice to see that it’s set in stone. The former Finals MVP had a resurgent season in 2014-15, ranking 11th in scoring with 21.5 points per game. Wade carried an offensive load that was clearly lacking in scoring (94.7 PPG, 27th in league).
It was the first time in five years that Wade’s scoring average did not decline—a good sign for a player who is 33 years of age.
While the Heat will be glad to have their franchise player back for next season, the focus now turns to the salary cap. The franchise has $59 million in commitments against a projected $67.4 million salary cap.
Miami still intends to re-sign point guard Goran Dragic, who recently announced that he will opt out and enter free agency.
Now that it is clear Wade will be back with the Heat for another go-around, Pat Riley and company will have to make some moves in order to clear up some cap space this offseason.
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