Pat Riley on Dwyane Wade: ‘I still see a player who can contribute heavily’

Dwyane Wade still isn’t sure if he will play in 2018-19. Heat president Pat Riley will not rush his decision.

"I think it's best that we give him some more time," Riley said Friday (via The Associated Press).

Wade, who has been considering retirement, spent the first 13 seasons of his career with the Heat, winning three championships. He played for the Bulls in 2016 and signed a one-year, $2.3 million contract with the Cavaliers in late September.

Wade, however, appeared in just 46 games for Cleveland before he was dealt back to the Heat in February. Wade averaged 12 points per game for Miami after the trade.

Riley said he hopes Wade returns to the Heat.

"I want him back as a competitor. I want him back as a guy who wants to have the greatest year he ever had as a player,” Riley said. "I read more articles about `Dwyane being done, he's lost a step, he's not the same player, he might not have the same motivation.' But I still see a player who can contribute heavily if he really wants to."

The Xinjiang Flying Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association have also reportedly offered Wade a “monster” contract.

The Heat fell to the 76ers in the first round of the 2017-18 playoffs. Wade averaged 16.6 points per game in that series.