On Sunday, the Chicago Bulls and three-time champion Dwyane Wade reached a buyout agreement.
The 35-year-old guard dreamed of playing for his hometown, but after one year in Chicago, the dream has come to an end. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat had interest in Wade. On Tuesday, “Woj” reported that Wade decided on the Cavs.
A lot of people wanted to see “No. 3” finish his career with the Miami Heat. However, the 2006 finals MVP, wants to win another ring before he retires. Wade played 60 games last season and averaged 18 points, 4.8 rebounds and five assists per game.
The Chicago native still has plenty of gas left and can play at a high level. The 12-time All-Star will have his minutes taken into consideration. Although the 6-foot-4 guard played 60 games last season, he fractured his elbow and almost missed the playoffs which brings future injury concerns.
One thing is for sure though: joining the Cavaliers provides Wade with the best chance of returning to the NBA Finals.
It’s no secret that LeBron James and Wade are best friends and have been in the trenches before. Both future Hall of Famers feed off of one another, and occasionally, D-Wade has to call out LBJ. Adding the three-time champion into the fold provides the Cavs with another closer.
King James can defer to newly acquired Isaiah Thomas, Kevin Love or Wade. Last season, James led the Cavaliers in points, assists, steals and blocks (Love led the team in rebounds, but I digress). Adding “The Flash” allows head coach Tyronn Lue to do the inevitable: put J.R. Smith back on the bench.
If the former Marquette star will have a direct path to the finals. LeBron has made it to the finals the last seven years. With the departure of Kyrie Irving, players will have different roles. Love will be the second option and Thomas will be the third.
Lue probably isn’t losing any sleep, but the addition of the former Bulls guard adds more ammunition to a solid roster. It’s safe to assume that Wade will start this season. Once Wade finalizes his deal with Cleveland, the projected starting lineup will be Thomas, Wade, James, Love, and Tristan Thompson.
Lue normally plays a 9-10 man rotation. The bench rotation will consist of Derrick Rose, Kyle Korver, J.R. Smith, Iman Shumpert, Jae Crowder, and Richard Jefferson.
This has been a crazy offseason. Will the Cavs make it to their fourth straight NBA finals appearance?
According to Woj, the deal will be finalized by Wednesday!
Featured image taken by David Berkowitz
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