Miami Heat need to make re-signing Dwyane Wade a priority this summer

The Miami Heat certainly have a lot on their plate this summer, but they cannot forget about their superstar Dwyane Wade.

There is no doubt about it: the Miami Heat have a busy summer ahead of them. But their priority needs to be giving Dwyane Wade whatever he wants.

Yes, they still must figure out what to do with Chris Bosh.

The 32-year-old, who has not played since this year’s NBA All-Star Weekend break due to a reoccurrence of blood clots, is continuing to remain a question mark for Heat Nation. While some have reported that it is unlikely he will be able to come back due to his condition, others say it is rumored that the team is expecting him to return in the fall. However, for now, all that is certain is that there is still a discrepancy between what Bosh wants, and what the organization will allow.

And of course, there is the issue of re-signing Hassan Whiteside.

The big man, who is now a free agent, will without a doubt be aggressively scouted across the league. After averaging 14.2 points, 11.8 rebounds and 3.7 blocks a game this season, he is highly sought-after. Obviously, the Heat want him too. Probably more-so than anyone else, in fact. And although it seems like Whiteside also wants to stick around, Miami could potentially be looking at some tricky financial situations ahead. After being overlooked for the majority of his career, the 26-year-old is more than likely looking at a maximum deal. So unless president Pat Riley and company can convince him to take a cut, they will be shelling out some big dollars this offseason.

Plus, let us not forget about Kevin Durant.

Recently having lost to the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder may indeed soon lose one of their stars. With Durant entering free agency, it is all but a sure thing that he will at least test the waters, to see what else is out there. And you better believe that Riley will try his hardest to go after the former MVP. The 27-year-old averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists per matchup this year, working alongside teammate Russell Westbrook to bring his team a 55-27 record.

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But despite everything, the franchise cannot forget about their star and leader, Dwyane Wade. Really, he should be the first thing on their minds.

Wade, who is also looking to re-sign with the Heat this summer, has seemingly discovered a fountain of youth, and unleashed its’ properties to the fullest. After a rocky two years of injury, Wade had many saying he should retire. Despite averaging 21.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists a game in 2014-15, the guard looked worn out. He appeared in 62 games but only averaged 31.8 minutes per contest, the lowest of his career.

However, after hiring a new trainer and being provided some help in the form of guys like Goran Dragic, Justise Winslow and Josh Richardson, the 34-year-old is revived. So especially after taking a pay-cut last season, it is now time to do what is right.

And for now, Riley seems to agree:

"“He wants to win, I think, as much as he wants to do anything. Compensation to a player is not just a way to get paid and to live your life. Compensation to a player is about recognition and respect and place. We know where he belongs…He’s a lifer. What he’s done in this city over the last 13 years is irreplaceable and so we’re going to do the right thing. There’s no doubt.”"

But there is even better news. Although last offseason, Wade kept Heat Nation on the edge of its’ seat with whether or not he even wanted to return, things are different this time around.

"“I don’t want to be on the market at all. I’m not curious at all. I want to get to it [with the Heat]. I want to be able to sign my deal and move on and not have to deal with any rumors, any free agency, any this, any that. This is where I want to end my career. So we’ll figure it out.”"

So what will be the final result?

Well, one source says that Miami already has a deal in mind.

"“The Heat’s preference for Dwyane Wade‘s next deal would be to make it for just one year, to give the franchise flexibility in 2017. One Heat person estimates to Jackson that a one-year contract for Wade would be in the $15-20MM neighborhood.”"

Signing a one-year contract would probably be in the best interest of both Wade and the organization. Although he has looked extraordinary lately, at the end of the day, retirement is still around the corner for the superstar. It is just a matter of just how many years he has left in him. At the same time, the Heat should be smart in keeping their options open for 2017, as many top players will then enter free agency.

Obviously getting Whiteside to stay and perhaps nabbing another great like Durant would be wonderful, but taking care of Wade must come first. They need to make sure he is taken care of, especially given the financial limitations Miami is soon to be working with.