NBA Free Agency: Dwyane Wade to Cleveland a ‘long shot’

Over the past 12 or so hours, there have been some rumblings that Dwayne Wade may join LeBron James in Cleveland and come play for the Cavaliers. None of it, however, was based on any direct reporting and instead came some rumors that Wade was on a private flight with LeBron and Cavs owner Dan Gilbert. He also canceled some free agent meetings soon after the purported flight.

Now, via Ethan Skolnick of the Miami Herald, more information has come out. And while Wade joining the Cavs is on the table, it’s also a ‘long shot’. From Skolnick:

And yes, joining LeBron James in Cleveland is an option. Among a few still, and "a long shot," according to a source, but definitely an option. The Cavaliers don't currently have anything other than the taxpayer mid-level to offer ($3.48 million), which would be a huge reduction in pay. So they would need to make multiple deals to accommodate more pay.

Additionally, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reports that there is ‘no traction’ between the Cavs and Heat despite rumors indicating otherwise.

Wade reportedly has a two-year deal worth $40 million on the table from the Heat that would have him stay in Miami. But he reportedly wants more money and a third year - which the Heat don’t want to do - and now the two sides aren’t on the best of terms. That rift has opened the door for not only Cleveland, but also the Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets. Per Windhorst, the Chicago Bulls are also interested in Wade

For the Cavs, landing Wade could be a coup at the right price. The issue, however, is that they can’t play him very much and would have to shed contracts - think Iman Shumpert and/or Channing Frye - to get the cap room necessary to pay Wade more money. At that point, it might not be worth it.

But if they can nab him for the taxpayer mid-level and Wade is willing to join LeBron in Cleveland? That’s a situation that makes a ton of sense for the Cavs.