The possibility of Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade making his way back to finish his career with the Miami Heat could become a reality with the Bulls now in rebuilding mode. After trading small forward Jimmy Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Chicago could choose to buy out Wade, who could also apply pressure of his own to make it happen.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst appeared on the Zach Lowe’s “The Lowe Post” on Friday and said he fully expects Wade to push for the buyout of his $23.8 million option for the 2017-18 NBA season. Windhorst also offered the basis for Wade to consider a return to the Heat, where he spent the first 13 years of his career:
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“Dwyane Wade can apply pressure to be bought out and be bought out immediately,” said Windhorst.
“I don’t think a return to Miami is necessarily impossible. It depends on what Dwyane wants to do. It depends on Dwyane wants to play a bit role on a serious contender, or he wants to set himself for another contract after this season.”
Windhorst also mentioned the Cleveland Cavaliers as a possible destination, where he would rejoin close friend and former teammate LeBron James:
“If he went to Cleveland, for example, his role on the Cavs would be more as a supporting player, even a bench player,” said Windhorst. “If he went to a different team he might be a starter, or still be able put up good numbers and position himself for one final contract.”
The Cavaliers have won the Eastern Conference Finals the last three seasons and won the 2015-16 NBA title. However, over the past week, they’ve become engulfed in turmoil after the departure of general manager David Griffin.
Last month, Wade indicated that he was open to a Heat reunion at some point before he retires. That return could occur sooner than expected.
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