After just one season back home in Chicago, Dwayne Wade is going to have to find a new team again. Just last summer, Wade decided to sign with the Chicago Bulls over his beloved Miami Heat because “he wanted to go home”. Whatever the factors may be, such as money, Wade is one of the casualties of GarPax management’s decision to focus on the development of Chicago’s youth.
Although Wade has stated he doesn’t need to ring chase because he already has three, he certainly doesn’t want to be a part of, or associated with, the Bulls at this point in time. If rumors are true, the team and the player are expecting a buyout hopefully before training camp starts. Here, we take a look at three possible destinations where the 35-year-old may land.
Miami Heat
It would be a bittersweet homecoming if Wade decides to come back to his NBA roots. Certainly, seeing Pat Riley and the fact he didn’t want to offer more to Wade will be awkward, but he is still loved in South Beach. The shooting guard has almost all the Heat record books to his name and coming back would sweeten it as well. Playing 13 seasons with the team, Wade will certainly be familiar with the surroundings if he comes back.
The roster is perfect for him as well as Wade can still carry this team to the playoffs. The Heat have key pieces in Justise Winslow, James Johnson, Tyler Johnson, and Josh Richardson. At the same time, they have two All-Stars in Goran Dragic and Hasan Whiteside. Wade would slot in nicely to the 2 spot and though he left Miami for a season, he will still be considered the leader and face of the Heat.
Los Angeles Lakers
Here come the Lakers rumors again on account of the great weather on offer. For sure, Lakers fans are tired of hearing this as they have not captured a big name in free agency since Shaquille O’Neal. But this trade rumor could actually have traction. Multiple sources have stated that the Lakers are among Wade’s top choices. It might seem logical for the Lakers to bring in a marquee free agent, but it is not. The Lakers have almost the same timeline as the Chicago Bulls and not to mention that their backcourt is already crowded with the likes of Lonzo Ball, Jordan Clarkson, Tyler Ulis, Josh Hart, etc. The market is definitely great but it isn’t his best option going forward.
It might seem logical for the Lakers to bring in a marquee free agent, but the reality is that this move wouldn’t make any sense at all. The Lakers have almost the same timeline as the Chicago Bulls and aren’t in need of a veteran presence right now. Additionally, their backcourt is already crowded with the likes of Lonzo Ball, Jordan Clarkson, Tyler Ulis and Josh Hart. The market is definitely great but this isn’t Wade’s best option going forward.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Arguably the most realistic and doable plan. Wade could actually arrive at The Land. It is well documented that he has been training with LeBron James, his very close friend, throughout the summer. Could the 2003 NBA Draft buddies reunite at the Cleveland Cavaliers to start the Banana Boat? Would Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony follow if that’s the case? Wade and James teaming up together is a real possibility as they have mentioned they want to form the Banana Boat in the future.
All the Cavs need to do to make this happen is dump the horrendous salaries offered to the likes of Channing Frye, JR Smith, and Iman Shumpert. That way, they can have the salary to pay D-Wade. He will certainly help the team get back to the NBA Finals, especially with a new-look roster that is now blessed with Isaiah Thomas’ presence.
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