Dwyane Wade could join LeBron James in Cleveland after Kevin Durant decided to team-up with the Golden State Warriors.
Speculations around the league have Wade joining James and the Cleveland Cavaliers following Durant's shocking decision of forming a super-team with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green in the Bay Area.
Wade has yet to confirm the team of his choice, but considering his frustration with the Miami Heat and Durant's move, there is a growing sense the Heat star reunites with his good friend James in Cleveland, especially if he strongly considers winning another title.
Shortly after Durant made his announcement in a post at the Player's Tribune, Wade posted a cryptic message on Twitter about the importance of relationships. While Wade did not elaborate much about his tweet, many believe the 34-year-old shooting guard is referring to his ties with James, who helped him win two championship rings in Miami.
Relationships are important people!
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) July 4, 2016
With Durant locked up with the Warriors for the next season, it behooves the Cavs to sign another star whom they can count on an effective sidekick to James. Someone who already has championship experience and knows James well to immediately form chemistry within the team. Wade, despite his age, would still be a huge boost to the Cavs' aspiration of back-to-back titles.
However, the Cavs are already well over the cap limit, with only $3.5 million mini-mid level exception to spend on free agents. This means the only way Cavs could afford a significant addition is by trading Kevin Love or persuading Wade to take less money, which the Heat shooting guard had done twice to help manage the Heat's cap situation over the past few years.
The Warriors and Cavs already have an epic rivalry after facing each other in the last two NBA Finals matches. Their most recent Finals showdown resulted to a historical comeback by the Cavs, winning their first NBA title and the first major championship Cleveland had in 52 years.
Surely, it would be entertaining to see these two teams go at it again next year for another epic matchup. But such classic could only come to fruition if the Cavs manage to match one of the greatest heist in NBA free agency history.
It is time. @DwyaneWade pic.twitter.com/uoo97I35D8 — Sports Nation Ohio (@SN_Ohio) July 4, 2016