Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
What’s Next For Dwyane Wade?
The Chicago Bulls and Dwyane Wade have reached a buyout.
This has been coming for some time, as it does not make sense for both sides. Chicago is fully commited to rebuilding, and will most likely be one of the worst teams in the NBA next season. Dwyane Wade gave back approximately $8M of his $23.8M salary to reach the buyout agreement.
But what’s next for Dwyane Wade? Where to? Well, there are a couple of potential landing spots for the 12-time All Star.
Favorties:
First and foremost, the Miami Heat. Everybody thought Dwyane Wade would be a Miami Heat player for life—he helped bring three championships to the city and is considered the franchise’s greatest son.
Wade’s thoughts of departure in the summer of 2016 were unexpected, but the 35-year-old veteran had the right to be irritated with the Heat organization after contract negotiations were far apart. On July 6, 2016, Wade made a decision to return home to Chicago and become apart of the Chicago Bulls, leaving Pat Riley and stunned fans in awe.
At the time, Dwyane Wade’s reason for his exit was to return home like former Heat teammate and star forward LeBron James did with the Cleveland Cavaliers. It may be true, but in a recent interview on Adrian Wojnarowski’s The Vertical Podcast with Woj, Wade admitted Miami Heat owner Pat Riley’s decision to leave him hanging all summer on contract talks left the three-time champion fed up.
In Miami, Wade would not have the chance to compete for another title, but he could end his career where it started, in a place where he is a hero and an absolute superstar.
If Wade wants another title run, he still has plenty of possible landing spots. Among them, the Cleveland Cavaliers.
In Cleveland, Wade would team up with his good friend and former teammate LeBron James. The Cavaliers are the huge favorite to win the East, and according to reports, told Wade that he would be a starter.
Wade would fit in perfectly, but he would need to sacrifice money. Cleveland could only offer him slightly more than the veteran minimum, which is worth less than half compared to the offer sheet Miami could offer him.
Another option are the Oklahoma City Thunder. Apparently, Carmelo Anthony and Paul George have already started recruiting Wade. In OKC, he would join the newest superteam and his good friend Carmelo Anthony. The chance to win a Championship would be given, but like in Cleveland, he would only be able to earn his minimum.
Less likely, but possible:
A team that could offer one million more are the San Antonio Spurs. The ever contending team is always an option when veteran stars want to have one more shot at the title.
The Spurs remain one of the best teams in the league and have the best two-way player in the game today. A team of Wade, Leonard, Gay and Aldridge would certainly be able to make some noise.
Another option are the Houston Rockets. Sure, Houston’s backcourt is already stuffed with Harden, Paul, and 6th man of the year Eric Gordon; Wade also would not necessairly fit into Mike D’Antoni’s system (jacking up as many threes as possible, ALL THE TIME). But for a title run, Houston could rely on the experience of the 3-time champion. It wouldn’t be too much of a risk, due to Houston also only being able to offer the minimum.
While we don’t know where Wade will end up, one team will definitely be lucky to have landed him once the season starts. If I had to predict where he’ll end up, I’d have to go with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
