Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat are reportedly far from reaching a new deal, which is fueling speculation that the All-Star guard will leave South Beach and sign elsewhere this summer.

According to NBA analyst Stephen Smith, Wade will likely leave the Heat and join good friend LeBron James in Cleveland if he fails to get the contract that he is demanding from Miami.

"I've known D-Wade for over a decade. I am telling you: He will leave," Smith said via Cavs Nation. "I don't know if it will be Cleveland. Cleveland is on the list and LeBron would want him in Cleveland. It's possible. But again, if you're not gonna get the money anyway, what difference does it make."

Smith also added in an ESPN interview that Wade's relationship with James will be a factor, and also added that it could be one of the reasons why the Heat will also decide not to offer a new deal to Wade.

Wade, who averaged 21.5 points to go along with 4.8 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game this season, opted out of the final two years of his deal last season. He was supposed to receive $41.6 million in two seasons, but decided to sign a two-year, $31 million contract to give the Heat cap room to make a run at free agents.

Wade holds a player option for next season. If he decides to opt in this summer, he will receive $16.1 million, but the 33-year-old guard is reportedly looking for a bigger deal.

While the Heat appreciate the decision of Wade to take pay cut in the past to give the team the opportunity to build a strong roster, the Miami Herald reported that there is still a significant difference between Wade's preferred salary and the amount of money the Heat are willing to offer.

In an interview after the regular season, Heat president Pat Riley said that they want to keep Wade in Miami, but added that the 12-year veteran should stay healthy in order to help the team achieve their goal.

When asked about the contract talks, Wade's agent Henry Thomas declined to give details on how far the two sides are from reaching a deal, but he is still hoping the contract issues will be resolved soon.

"With the amount of time he has spent with the organization, every effort will be made to try to work something out," Thomas said. "The five times he played for a championship, resulting in three championships, is a significant accomplishment for any professional. We are continuing to talk about a resolution."

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