Dwyane Wade To Lakers A Good Move?
By Pablo Jacobo
Rumors swirled over the weekend as a report came out by SI’s Chris Mannix, saying that Dwyane Wade and the Los Angeles Lakers have mutual interest in linking up. Take that rumor as you want, but are you totally opposed to it?
While many execs still see Wade/Heat as contract saber rattling, a Wade option will be the Lakers. Mutual interest, per league sources.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) June 21, 2015
Let’s start off by mentioning that it’s a leverage tactic by Wade’s camp to pressure the Miami Heat to up their offer. The Flash wants the Kobe Bryant type of deal as it may be his last opportunity to receive a big-money contract. These are the type of rumors Laker fans are going to hear about throughout the summer. Last week, a report surfaced that Jimmy Butler was interested in a move to LA – of course he is, it’s another seesaw battle to make more money. I highly doubt the Chicago Bulls are going to let the most improved player in 2015 just walk away. Look for the Bulls to pony-up the money to retain his services.
Wade on the other hand intrigues me a bit for Los Angeles. I heard the backlash from Laker fans when the rumor first popped up, but weren’t LA fans clamoring for Carmelo Anthony to sign here a year ago? Both have had their fair share of injuries and Wade is only two years older. Wade is a more accomplished star with his three championship rings. So what’s the difference? Kevin Love has been injury prone too and LA fans still want him.
The Lakers have stated that they want to be more competitive even after Bryant retires. Does this not fall under the more competitive philosophy? What good is having all the money in the world if they can’t attract someone? Last season they spent their cap space on Jordan Hill and Jeremy Lin. Hill improved his game but was inconsistent throughout the year, and Lin? Let’s just move on.
Bringing in Wade won’t be a long-term solution. It could be for a 1-2-year deal pact which would not cripple the team after the 2016 season when the cap is expected to rise. Also it will not hinder the Lakers’ plans to go after Kevin Durant when he hits the market as Kobe’s deal will be off the books. Don’t forget the rest of the NBA teams are positioning themselves to be big players during that free agency period too. They will also have deep pockets. Would that throw a wrench in the Lakers’ plans?
Would signing Wade stunt Jordan Clarkson’s growth? I don’t think so. Clarkson had an outstanding rookie campaign as a starter but we have to be wary of a sophomore slump. Not saying he will struggle, but there will be more game tape on him and teams will surely focus more on him. Adding a player of Wade’s caliber will take pressure off of Clarkson so he can continue to develop.
Don’t forget Bryant is also returning for the 2015-16 season. Clarkson drastically improved under the tutelage of Steve Nash. The former Laker will continue to aid the 23-year-old learn the point guard position. Imagine him playing next to Wade and Bryant, two of the best NBA players in history. How much better Clarkson would be playing next to these All-Stars? Having Nash, Wade and Bryant on his corner is not a bad thing.
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Before Kobe’s injury he realized he needed to change his game a bit. He had a stretch where he was a better all-around player stock piling assists and rebounds. Having Wade and Clarkson in the backcourt will ensure Kobe continue that form. Clarkson will continue to make great strides in his development learning from two of the greatest two-guards. Having the two vets could also provide Clarkson with a nice security blanket when he gets into trouble.
In terms of minutes, Wade and Bryant are not going to play heavy minutes opening up more playing time for Clarkson. Bryant can often shift to the three spot while Wade takes the two-guard position and Clarkson handles point guard duties. At 6-foot-5 and very explosive, Clarkson has drawn comparisons to Russell Westbrook. Giving Clarkson veteran options could work wonders for his game. We can’t count out the additions of Julius Randle and possibly Jahlil Okafor to the roster. Both Wade and Bryant have thrived in their careers with skilled big-men.
Minnesota has reportedly informed Karl-Anthony Towns that they are planning on taking him No.1 overall. Okafor is projected to be the next player taken in the draft. If the Lakers take D’Angelo Russell with the No. 2 pick then we can disregard the Wade to LA rumors.
Wade made about $16M last season and will opt out of his deal in search of more money. His camp is disgruntled with Miami that they are willing to pay Goran Dragic and not him. The Lakers are going to have approximately $25M of cap room and could accommodate his salary demands. Perhaps a slight increase could sway him to bring his talents to LA.
As I wrote earlier, this is nothing but a rumor at the moment. It’s surely a cry-out from Wade’s camp directed at the Heat to show Wade some respect for the sacrifices he took for the betterment of the team. I don’t see him leaving Miami but it’s definitely a possibility.