D-Wade's Next Destination: A Look at The Toughest Division In The League

Could Dwyane Wade possibly find a home next year on a team in the toughest division in the NBA? This week’s in-depth examination of the Southwest Division will weed out the legitimate suitors from those teams with fantasy aspirations. Wade could do much worse by signing with another team in any other division as the top four in the Southwest are perennial contenders.

Memphis was once a promising young franchise with Pau Gasol anchoring their front court. We can only imagine what this team would resemble today had the Grizzles not decided to give away their franchise player for a collection of journey men. What opportunity Memphis had of signing a big name free agent in the summer of 2010, was all but squandered with the trade that brought Zach Randolph to town this year. They have no cap space and no real appeal to attract someone of Dwyane Wade’s caliber.

New Orleans made headlines this summer by trading away their defensive stalwart Tyson Chandler for Omeka Okafor. By doing so they not only weaken the team defensively but also pushed themselves into the luxury tax stratosphere for several years to come. Their real problem began several years ago when management threw tons of money at Peja Stojakovic and it continues to plague them to this day. Peja is the highest paid player on the team and is set to earn nearly a fourth of the Hornets salary cap over the next two years. Mismanagement in the front office has cost New Orleans dearly. If they can get their act together they might be able sign CP3 to an extension before he decides to bolt in 2012. They will be watching from the sidelines next summer.

San Antonio was set to be a major player in the 2010 free agency market at the beginning of 2008 season. This fiscally prudent team had its big three locked away with a bunch of expiring contracts. Their target was Chris Bosh. The plan was to pair Bosh with Duncan as the reincarnation of the twin towers. After a season hampered by injuries to Duncan and Ginobili and with father time in hot pursuit of the greatest power forward to play the game, management decided it was no better time than the present to overhaul their team. In came an infusion of talent and up went the Spurs payroll. As currently constructed the San Antonio Spurs payroll will exceed 75 million next summer giving them no realistic opportunity to sign Wade.

Dallas owner, Mark Cuban is not shy about spending money in order to build a championship caliber team. Just this year he shelled out 25 million to keep the aging Jason Kidd onboard. There are certain owners in the NBA who have no fear or concerns about paying the luxury tax and Mark Cuban heads the list. If there is a way, Dallas would love to pair Dwyane with Dirk but the problem will be moving several hefty contracts in order to clear cap space. In order for the Mavericks to have a shot at signing Wade they would first have to part ways with Dampier, Howard and Terry and not sign Marion after his one year deal expires. That’s a heck of a lot of talent going out in order to make room for one singular talent, Wade. Look for Dallas to stand pat next summer.

The Houston Rockets is the logical destination for Dwyane Wade in the Southwest Division. Let’s hope that Yao Ming takes his time and has a full recovery. If so, he can exercise his player option in 2010 leaving the Rockets with nearly 20 million in cap space to pursue Wade. If you thought the Yao/McGrady duo was good just imagine a healthy Yao/Wade duo with a better cast of complimentary players a year from now.

Committed Salary – 37 million.

Talent – (Player Option) Yao Ming, Battier, Ariza, Landry, Brooks, Lowry, Hayes, Dorsey, Andersen, Budinger and Taylor.

Contend – A Yao and Wade led team would be a virtual lock for the playoffs. No team would want to face the Texas triangle, not even the Lakers.

Offer – Houston will offer Wade a max deal. I also expect them to sign front court bruiser Luis Scola to an extension over the course of this season. The Rockets have about 5 million in expiring contracts that can be used to bring in more front court help. Overall they have a legitimate shot of signing Wade and returning to the upper echelons of the Western Conference.