Report: Orlando Magic Wanted Dwyane Wade in 2003, Had Agreement With Miami Heat for Swap - Heat Nation
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Report: Orlando Magic Wanted Dwyane Wade in 2003, Had Agreement With Miami Heat for Swap

Dwyane Wade and Pat Riley 2003 NBA Draft Wilfredo Lee / Associated Press

The Miami Heat weren’t the only team that wanted guard Dwyane Wade back in 2003.

According to Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers, the Orlando Magic had an agreement with the Heat for a trade swap with the intent to land Wade:

Perhaps the best decision the franchise has made, the Heat held onto their pick and selected Wade with the fifth pick in the 2003 draft. Meanwhile, the Magic drafted Reece Gaines with the 15th pick. To put things into perspective, Gaines lasted three seasons in the league and averaged an abysmal 1.7 points in 8.5 minutes per game over his three-year career.

On the other hand, Wade, who is in the final season of his career, ended up as one of the greatest shooting guards to play the game. The veteran has three championships, a 2006 Finals MVP trophy, and is the face of the Heat franchise. Over the course of his 16 years in the league, the guard has career averages of 22.4 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game.

There’s no doubt the Heat made the right decision by drafting Wade.

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