Dwyane Wade Headed Home, Leaves Heat For Bulls
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Dwyane Wade's era in Miami is coming to an end.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical, Wade has informed the Heat he intends to sign with Chicago Bulls.
Dwyane Wade has informed the Bulls he plans to sign a deal with them, sources tell @TheVertical. Bulls sending out contracts now.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) July 7, 2016
ESPN's Briand Windhorst reports the Bulls were working trades to clear the needed cap space.
Bulls have traction a deal to move Jose Calderon & working on separate deals for Mike Dunleavy, sources said. Would clear about 25M in space
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) July 7, 2016
Chicago is finalzing a deal to send Mike Dunleavy to the Cleveland Cavaliers, league sources tells @TheVertical.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) July 7, 2016
Chicago has traded guard Jose Calderon to the Los Angeles Lakers, league sources tell @TheVertical.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) July 7, 2016
As for Wade's contract, he will sign a two-year deal with the Bulls, one that will pay him about $47 million.
Miami offered $40 million over two years for Wade to stay in the uniform that he's worn his entire career, the one in which he was an All-Star 12 times, a champion three times and the NBA Finals MVP in 2006 when his rise to superstardom was just truly beginning.
"This was not an easy decision, but I feel I have made the right choice," he said in a letter released to the Associated Press. "I look back with pride and amazement at all we have accomplished together."
The 34-year-old is from Chicago and had them on his radar in 2010. Obviously he stayed put as LeBron James and Chris Bosh brought their talents to South Beach. However, this time around, ending his career in his hometown was an enticing proposition.
Wade has told those close to him the only place he could see himself playing other than Miami was Chicago
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) July 7, 2016
"Watching the Bulls growing up inspired me at an early age to pursue my dream of becoming a basketball player," Wade wrote in the letter. "My most treasured memories were watching my dad play basketball on the courts of Fermi Elementary School and developing my game at the Blue Island Recreation Center. I have never forgotten where I came from and I am thankful to have an opportunity to play for the team that first fueled my love of the game."
It mirrors, in some respects, the decision James made when he left Miami two summers ago to go back to his northeast Ohio roots in Cleveland.
In James' case, it was a return to the place where he spent his first seven pro seasons. In Wade's case, it's a totally new chapter.
"From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank the Miami community and especially #HEATNATION for all of their love and support."
Heat owner Micky Arison took to Twitter to reciprocate the love.
Thank you @DwyaneWade for a great 13 yrs! You've had a tremendous impact on our community and our organization. We wish you all the best.
— Micky Arison (@MickyArison) July 7, 2016
Wade was the face of the franchise. Miami's leader in most major statistical categories. And now, the era ends.
