Mr.Bottomtooth
07-04-2006, 11:02 AM
By Michael Cunningham
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Posted July 4 2006
It looks like the Heat will sign Dwyane Wade to a maximum contract extension with little fuss.
Agent Henry Thomas said Monday he expects Wade to sign the extension, for five years and between $75 million and $85 million, on July 12. That's the first day teams can sign free agents, who have been free to negotiate deals since Saturday.
There wasn't much haggling necessary with Wade. He was named Finals MVP after leading the Heat to its first championship and has never expressed dissatisfaction with the organization.
Wade agreed to terms when the Heat extended the offer soon after the start of the negotiation period.
"We're on the same page," Thomas said.
Wade, 24, is set to make $3.8 million next season under the contract he signed as a rookie in 2003. The exact amount of the extension won't be known until next year since it will be pegged to a percentage of the 2007-08 salary cap.
Securing an extension for Wade was the top priority for the Heat. The team also is looking for a veteran point guard, a need since starter Jason Williams is scheduled for knee surgery and Gary Payton, who turns 38 later this month, is the primary backup.
The Heat has had preliminary discussions with the agent for Eddie House, whom the Heat selected in the second round of the 2000 draft. House rejuvenated his career with Phoenix last season, averaging 9.8 points in 17.5 minutes per game.
Agent Mark Bartelstein said the Heat also inquired about two of his other free-agent clients, forwards Devean George and Darius Songaila.
"Nothing is urgent right now," Bartelstein said.
The Nuggets also are interested in House. The Nuggets and Kings have inquired about George and Songaila.
The Heat's practice has been to see how the market shakes out before committing to role players. Coach Pat Riley has said the Heat won't spend its mid-level salary cap exception of about $5 million.
Backup point guards may have gotten pricier with Bobby Jackson reportedly agreeing to terms with the Hornets for $17 million over three seasons. Speedy Claxton, a top sixth man for the Hornets last season, reportedly is set to join Atlanta for $24 million over four years.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Posted July 4 2006
It looks like the Heat will sign Dwyane Wade to a maximum contract extension with little fuss.
Agent Henry Thomas said Monday he expects Wade to sign the extension, for five years and between $75 million and $85 million, on July 12. That's the first day teams can sign free agents, who have been free to negotiate deals since Saturday.
There wasn't much haggling necessary with Wade. He was named Finals MVP after leading the Heat to its first championship and has never expressed dissatisfaction with the organization.
Wade agreed to terms when the Heat extended the offer soon after the start of the negotiation period.
"We're on the same page," Thomas said.
Wade, 24, is set to make $3.8 million next season under the contract he signed as a rookie in 2003. The exact amount of the extension won't be known until next year since it will be pegged to a percentage of the 2007-08 salary cap.
Securing an extension for Wade was the top priority for the Heat. The team also is looking for a veteran point guard, a need since starter Jason Williams is scheduled for knee surgery and Gary Payton, who turns 38 later this month, is the primary backup.
The Heat has had preliminary discussions with the agent for Eddie House, whom the Heat selected in the second round of the 2000 draft. House rejuvenated his career with Phoenix last season, averaging 9.8 points in 17.5 minutes per game.
Agent Mark Bartelstein said the Heat also inquired about two of his other free-agent clients, forwards Devean George and Darius Songaila.
"Nothing is urgent right now," Bartelstein said.
The Nuggets also are interested in House. The Nuggets and Kings have inquired about George and Songaila.
The Heat's practice has been to see how the market shakes out before committing to role players. Coach Pat Riley has said the Heat won't spend its mid-level salary cap exception of about $5 million.
Backup point guards may have gotten pricier with Bobby Jackson reportedly agreeing to terms with the Hornets for $17 million over three seasons. Speedy Claxton, a top sixth man for the Hornets last season, reportedly is set to join Atlanta for $24 million over four years.