Dwyane Wade agrees to deal with Heat

As Miami Heat president Pat Riley gets ready to meet with free-agent forward LaMarcus Aldridge, he reached a one-year deal with franchise centerpiece Dwyane Wade.

Wade's deal is worth $20 million, a person familiar with the agreement told USA TODAY Sports.

The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until July 9, when free agents can begin signing contracts.

In a statement Wade said, "It has been an honor and privilege to play with the Miami Heat the past twelve years. The Heat family and I have shared incredible moments over the years and I look forward to continuing our journey. I am extremely proud of my personal contributions in helping to build the Heat franchise and for bringing three NBA championship wins to our great city.

"For my entire NBA career, Miami has always been my city and my home. I'm overwhelmed with the love and support the Miami community have consistently shown me and my family throughout the years."

There was some tension early on negotiations, but like many relationships, there was a compromise that could satisfy both sides. Utlimately, the Heat didn't want to lose Wade, and Wade didn't want to leave the Heat.

The one-year deal allows Wade to become a free agent next summer and get one more long deal with that Heat.

"This contract is a win-win for both Dwyane and the Heat," Henry Thomas, Wade's agent, said in a statement. "Not only does Dwyane get to extend his Hall of Fame-worthy career with the only franchise for whom he has ever played, but he will have the flexibility next summer to sign an additional deal. And the Heat gets to keep their franchise cornerstone while having the ability to build a championship-contending roster."

Just before free agency began, Luol Deng opted into the final year of his contract, and early in free agency, guard Goran Dragic signed a five-year, $90 million deal.

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