After some posturing and some uncertain moments, Dwyane Wade secured a deal to come back to the Miami Heat. His one-year, $20 million contract gives him the pay increase he wanted while retaining flexibility for next summer.
The deal looks a lot like the one LeBron James is expected to sign with the Cavaliers. As the salary cap is set to increase dramatically next year, James and Wade both have the opportunity to cash in on the influx of cash.
It turns out James may have had a hand in helping Wade steer his negotiations in that direction. As Wade was finalizing the terms of his contract, he was in the Bahamas on vacation with James and their wives.
Just saw LeBron James and Dwayne Wade.. I literally cannot stop shaking pic.twitter.com/QUVkTXj07o
— Sierra Kirsch (@SierraKirsch310) July 2, 2015
Wade and James are known to have a strong friendship despite LeBron's decision last summer to leave the Heat and return to the Cleveland Cavaliers. As Wade opted for free agency this summer -- amid rumors that he and the Heat may be headed toward an impasse -- some even wondered if their friendship would draw Wade to Cleveland, rejoining with his good friend.
But Wade has spent his entire career in Miami, and when he got the terms he wanted, he committed to a return.
Wade's wife posted a picture of him after his agreement with the Heat was finalized:
Wade's long-time Heat teammate -- who sometimes gets teased as the third-wheel in the James-Wade bromance -- was quick to declare his excitement on Twitter:
@DwyaneWade I knew we weren't finished!Let's get it!You are the best Teammate/Friend/Neighbor I could ever ask for pic.twitter.com/vsQOHCRE1v
— Chris Bosh (@chrisbosh) July 2, 2015
But we're still not buying that Bosh doesn't feel at least a little left out.