Dion Waiters has made it clear that he wants to re-sign with the Miami Heat this summer.
Dion Waiters is expected to opt out of his contract and become a free agent, but he doesn’t want a repeat of last year when he didn’t sign until late in the summer. Waiters wants re-signing with the Miami Heat to be a quick and painless process.
"“I want to be there,” Waiters said Thursday when asked if he wants to return to the Heat during an appearance on The Hochman and Crowder Show on WQAM. “When that time comes and we sit down, we just got to make it happen. Let’s get it over with as quick as possible.”"
The 25-year-old Waiters has a $3 million option for next year, but after a strong season he’s expected to sign his most lucrative contract of his career. He’ll likely command upwards of $10 million, if not much more.
Waiters played in 46 games last season, and averaged 15.8 points, 4.3 assists and 3.3 rebounds in 30.1 minutes per game.
He’s echoed the same sentiments about staying in Miami during the season, but that doesn’t mean it’s a guarantee. The Heat will have roughly $38 million in cap room after clearing Chris Bosh’s salary from the cap, and are expected to go after some of the top free agents first this summer. After that plays out, James Johnson’s contract also expires. Miami will likely prioritize both Waiters and Johnson is they can’t sign a top-flight free agent, but other teams may be able to offer more lucrative contracts.
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Since the season ended, Waiters has been spending time working out in South Florida with teammates, including Udonis Haslem. His conditioning has improved in Miami, and he told WQAM that he’s “In the best shape of my life.”