2016 NBA free agents: Four tempting scenarios for Dwyane Wade

As usual, there’s almost no chance Dwyane Wade leaves Miami this summer. Almost.

With the end of his career looming, this is one of Wade’s final opportunities to explore anything else that entices him. He’s never given voice to any dream of playing somewhere else, but here are four possibilities that must’ve crossed his mind as we near July 1:

Cleveland Cavaliers
Never underestimate or dismiss the bond between Wade and LeBron James. That’s what pulled James to Miami in 2010 and it could prompt Wade to consider joining up with his friend in Cleveland. Would Wade fit with the Cavaliers? Many doubted the cohesiveness of the Big Three in Miami before each player found a way to make it work. There’s also a chance the Cavs will move Kyrie Irving this offseason.

Los Angeles Lakers
If James is seriously about putti
ng together a Super Friends team with Wade, Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony, this might be the place to do it. The Lakers have about $70 million in salary cap space for next season, and building this in Los Angeles means Paul wouldn’t have to relocate. Paul can become a free agent after next season, and the Lakers would have to find a way to trade for Anthony.

Chicago Bulls
Does the allure of home mean anything to Wade? If so, he’s rarely expressed that publicly other than taking free agency meetings with the Bulls in 2010. Since then, it hasn’t come up. Still, this could be an area where James’ influence shows up indirectly. Perhaps seeing him go home would move Wade to want the same. The problem here is that the Bulls are far from contention — they sound closer to holding a fire sale than loading up — and they would have trouble finding a spot for him basketball-wise unless they trade one of their high-priced guards.

Los Angeles Clippers
This is another possible Super Friends location (it would require at least two major trades), but even if that’s too far-fetched this could work for Wade. The Clippers have the pieces to contend for a title and might have been in the mix for it this season if not for injuries to Blake Griffin and Chris Paul. Assuming those two come back healthy, Los Angeles could line up four potential All-Stars with them, Wade and DeAndre Jordan.