Dwyane Wade didn't sign his three-year contract extension when it was first offered in mid-July and it doesn't appear he'll sign an extension until the end of the season, when he can sign a six-year deal.
Wade has said he wants to see that the Heat is committed to building a title contender before he signs an extension. He's also said this isn't an acrimonious situation between him and the Heat, particularly president Pat Riley. He might be right. It seemed both Wade and Riley agreed Lamar Odom was the Heat's No. 1 free agent priority. Wade made public pleas for Odom to return to Miami, where he played in the 2003-04 season.
"I want Lamar to do what's best for him and his family, because we love him as family," Wade said. "But, on the other hand, we want him back home, to come home."
Odom was shipped from Miami to the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2004 trade for Shaquille O'Neal.
If Miami doesn't land Odom, it's unclear where its free agent focus would turn. Riley refuted a report the Heat was talking with Utah about acquiring Carlos Boozer.
"We listen to all inquiries, but there is nothing going on," Riley said in a statement regarding Boozer.
Prior to Riley's statement, Wade seemed excited about the possibility of obtaining Boozer, an Olympic teammate.
"I love him and would love for him to be down here wearing a Heat jersey," Wade said. "We've got one that can fit him."
