On a conference call with reporters from all over the world, three-time NBA Championship Dwyane Wade answered a lot of questions people were interested in about both the league and his own future.
First Wade talked about the coming Jr. NBA World Championship which will happen in Florida. He is the global ambassador of the event. However, what really concerns fans was how he will decide over his own future. 36-year-old “Flash” is literally approaching the end of his NBA career, where will his next stop be?
Dwyane Wade (M) and his son Zaire (L) /VCG Photo
Dwyane Wade (M) and his son Zaire (L) /VCG Photo
One of the most probable option is to stay with Miami Heat, the team that selected him in the 2003 NBA Draft. The Heat could offer either the 5.3-million-US-dollar exception or a 2.4-million-dollar veteran minimum salary to keep their greatest player who, by the way, has never received a maximum salary. Pat Riley, the team’s president said that they will patiently wait for Wade’s decision.
Another choice for the NBA super star is to join CBA’s Zhejiang Golden Bulls. According Tencent Sports, Wade was offered a three-year contract of 25 million dollars. If he accepts it, he will become the highest-paid basketball player in China.
Wade (R) and LeBron James (L) at the Miami Heat /VCG Photo
Wade (R) and LeBron James (L) at the Miami Heat /VCG Photo
When asked about his future, Wade gave the answer: “In due time, time will tell.” He also mentioned that he will make his decision based on family. Wade’s first-born son Zaire is 16 years old. “My son is a junior in high school right now. Every decision at this point, especially in a professional athlete's career, at 36 years old, a lot of it surrounds around their families and what is best for their family. So I am really invested into making sure that my sons can have every tool that they need to be able to succeed at this game of basketball and game of life,” said Wade.
The Flash also talked about his good friend and former teammate LeBron James who joined the Los Angeles Lakers in summer. “Well, first do not count him out, that would be the wrong thing to do. I think in his mind, he prepares to go to the Finals every year. That is the God-given ability and talent that he has been gifted and given. It definitely has added another amazing chapter to his storybook career, and we are all going to watch to see how it unfolds, but I would never count that guy out,” said Wade.