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:
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Doc Rivers said that Orlando and Miami had an agreement for a trade swap at the 2003 draft if Miami didn’t get their guy at No. 5 (they wouldn’t disclose who). Orlando was hoping to acquire Dwyane Wade. Wade fell to No. 5, Miami called Orlando and said Wade had been their guy.
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) December 9, 2018
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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