Dwyane Wade is leaving the Miami Heat to join the Chicago Bulls
In a stunning move, Dwyane Wade is leaving the Miami Heat to sign with the Chicago Bulls.
Wade will reportedly sign a two-year deal worth $47 million with the Bulls, according to the Associated Press. The Bulls have also agreed to trade Mike Dunleavy to the Cleveland Cavaliers to create enough salary cap space, according to Brian Windhorst.
Since NBA free agency began July 1, the Heat and Wade have been in a standoff over a new contract, leaving Wade to listen to offers from other teams.
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Wade was reportedly slighted by the Heat's offseason priorities as they focused on re-signing Hassan Whiteside and chasing Kevin Durant. Additionally, Wade wanted a salary worth $50 million over two years. The Heat were reportedly offering Wade $40 million over two years.
Dwyane Wade Career Points, Rebounds and Assists Per Game PointAfter
On Wednesday, Wade met with other teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks and Heat, but not the Chicago Bulls as they couldn't make it to New York due to travel complications, according to Wojnarowski. During Wade's meeting with Miami Heat owner Mickey Arrison, the Heat reportedly refused to offer a third year to Wade's deal. Though the Bulls' offer was similar, Wade ultimately decided to take Chicago's offer after losing trust in the Heat.
Wade grew up in a suburb of Chicago and will join a Bulls team in transition. The Bulls let go of Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol in free agency this offseason and traded Derrick Rose to the Knicks for Robin Lopez, Jose Calderon, and Jerian Grant. On July 3, the Bulls signed point guard Rajon Rondo to a two-year contract, pairing him in the back-court with star guard Jimmy Butler. With Wade's arrival, Butler will likely have to move up to small forward.
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It's a shocking development that few could have predicted. Wade and the Heat had contentious contract talks last summer, but ultimately agreed on a one-year deal before talks ever hit a boiling point as they did this summer. Many felt the same would happen this summer, and that Wade listening to outside offers was a ploy to force the Heat's hand.
In what's been a wild NBA offseason, Wade appears to be another big name that will be in a new uniform this fall.
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