Дуэйн Уэйд: «Зачем ждать 2010 года, если можно подписать контракт сейчас»
На следующий день после того, как президент «Майами» Пэт Райли сообщил, что клуб не будет вносить серьезных изменений в состав, пока не продлит контракт с Дуэйном Уэйдом, защитник сказал, что Райли должен сделать первый шаг к соглашению.
«Почему бы не ускорить процесс, пока я здесь, и не дожидаться 2010 года. Сейчас я нахожусь на пике, показываю лучшую свою игру и чувствую себя лучше, чем когда-либо. Так зачем ждать? Давайте сделаем это сейчас. Дело не во мне. Им придется сильно постараться, чтобы убедить меня, что я нужен им в будущем», цитирует Уэйда The South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
«I’m there. Why not fast track this thing anyway while I’m there and let’s not give it a chance to get to 2010?» said Wade, who can extend his contract starting July 12, or can opt out an become a free agent following next season. «I’m in my prime right now, playing the best basketball I’ve ever played, and I feel as good as I ever felt. So let’s not wait. Let’s do it now if we can do it. So it’s not about me signing a contract.»
Riley, however, said it is about exactly that, that the Heat cannot move forward with a renovation amid uncertainty about the franchise’s foundation.
Wade took a contrasting view, that an aggressive personnel approach by the team this summer could lead to his signature on an extension before his potential 2010 free agency.
«They have to do everything they can to make sure they want me there for the future,» he said.
Wade was amused by Riley’s comment that the Heat president was «going to try to do the best sales job I can do.»
«That’s just Coach Riley being Coach Riley and keeping the interest,» Wade said. «But I’m not worried about it.»
Wade said it is too early for either side to stress over the process.
«My thought process is this, I’m playing with the Miami Heat next year, so it’s not like I’m playing anywhere else,» he said. «My decision totally is going to be made on how I feel and knowing that I’m going to do everything I can for the Miami Heat next year and that’s the team I want to be with for the future.»
Apparently, this will be a case where Riley’s power of influence will be limited.
«I have a decision to make on my own and that decision has nothing to do with anything that anyone is going to say,» Wade said. «I always have the best interest of the basketball team every time I take the court. But in this stage, where you’re talking about contracts and free agency, you have to think about yourself and what’s best.»