MIAMI _ The next step for Dwyane Wade could turn into broadcast news for the retired Miami Heat icon.
Among the possibilities:
_ Face-to-face, prime-time debates with former Boston Celtics rival Paul Pierce.
_ An opportunity for instant retorts to the ongoing jabs from Charles Barkley.
A report in the New York Post says Wade is being courted by both ESPN and TNT for a role in their NBA programming, starting this postseason.
ESPN has gone through a variety of studio offerings with NBA Countdown in a bid to conjure chemistry closer to the successful formula of TNT's Inside the NBA. Among analysts ESPN has cycled through is Pierce, who recently opined on having had a more successful career than Wade.
Wade previously has appeared on ESPN's NBA playoff coverage, including a one-on-one interview with former Heat teammate LeBron James during the Cleveland Cavaliers appearance in the 2015 NBA Finals.
James praised Wade's effort in that interview.
"Well, first of all, it's great to always see him and be alongside him," he said. "No matter if it's in a uniform or he's in a suit and I'm in street clothes. I thought he was great. Obviously our chemistry is great."
Such an ESPN transition could prove convenient for Wade, who plans to relocate to the Los Angeles area to be closer to the acting career of wife Gabrielle Union. ESPN's studio programming originates directly across from Staples Center.
Although TNT's Atlanta-based studio show is locked into the award-winning cast of Barkley, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O'Neal and host Ernie Johnson, the network has created niche roles for additional contributors in recent years, including Kevin Garnett. Turner Sports also has created a franchise featuring "Players Only" coverage solely utilizing former NBA players, with former Heat forward and Wade NBA championship teammate Chris Bosh among those cast in such a role.
ESPN has recently utilized former Heat and Wade coach Stan Van Gundy as a studio analyst, with Van Gundy out of the league this season following his dismissal as coach and executive with the Detroit Pistons. Van Gundy coached Wade as a rookie in 2003-04 with the Heat.
