Could their completely dissimilar and contrasting actions lead Dwyane Wade and LeBron James to find themselves on the same page…in Miami?

So Dwyane Wade wants to stay in Miami.  Anybody surprised?  Didn't think so, though I'm sure more then a few people were quite relieved when he came out last week in the ESPN article and laid to rest any thoughts that he wanted to play anywhere other then with the Heat.  As awesome as that was to read, what I love more is how Dwyane wants to make sure that whichever free agent(s) the Heat bring in, he wants to be positive they are a good fit for the team and not just a big name.  Said Wade:

"It's about who can come to Miami, it's about who do you trust, who can fit the organization, who best fits you as a player, things of that nature."

It really is a treat that we get to see this guy maturing into a true leader right before our eyes.  The fact that he is completely loyal to Pat Riley and the Heat speaks volumes, and I only hope that the young, future NBA superstars are going to follow the example D-Wade is setting...as opposed to say, LeBron James.

Nothing that LeBron James has done since his season ended has brought me to change my opinion of him, although if all the ‘rumors' about his mom and Delonte West are true...I can't say that I blame him for reacting the way he did.  Still though, he is King James.  If he really wanted to show some love and loyalty to the team and city that has done nothing but love him for the past 7 years, he could find a way.

That concludes the LeBron bashing segment of this blog entry.  The reason I even brought him up was because while I'm not in favor of the King relocating to South Beach, his ‘not so cool' actions could be leading him down a path that goes right down to Miami.  It's just funny how he and Wade are handling their impending free agency in completely different ways, yet they could very well end up playing together. 

I think at this point its safe to say that James isn't going to be returning to Cleveland.  So the question is...what is more important to him?  Making a ton of money for an average-to-crappy team, or making less money (but still more then 99% of the NBA) and playing for a championship, glory, a legacy...all that good stuff.  We'll find out soon enough. 

Meanwhile back in Miami, the love for D-Wade continues to grow.  The Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners unanimously voted to change the name of the county to ‘Miami-Wade County' from July 1^st to July 7^th.  Great timing, right?  Just happens to be the first week when free agents can begin negotiating new contracts, though nothing can be signed until at least July 8^th. 

The resolution from the board lists all the accomplishments and good things that Wade has done to and for South Florida, from his MVP performance in the 2006 Finals to him bringing a gold medal back to Miami in the summer of '08, along with all the amazing charity work he has done for our community.  It wraps up with this thought:

"Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of County Commissioners of Miami-Dade County, Florida, that the Board, in recognition, of all that Dwyane Wade has done for the visibility, stature and national image of Miami-Dade County, does hereby declare that Miami-Dade County be known as "Miami-Wade County" from July 1-7, 2010."

Dwyane Wade and South Florida...a match made in basketball heaven, or just an awesome city and arguably the best basketball player in the world holding a mutual respect and appreciation for one another?  Either way, it works out pretty damn well for all of us.