There will be no reunion between LeBron James and Dwyane Wade with the Cleveland Cavaliers as the Chicago Bulls maintained that there will be no buyout in Wade’s contract. According to ESPN, Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg says he expects the veteran guard to be on the team’s roster when the season kicks off. When asked if Wade would be bought out before the season begins, he commented, "As of right now, no. I don't see that." Hoiberg added that the Bulls need Wade’s leadership, which is very crucial to their success next season.
Last month, Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations John Paxson addressed the issue of Wade’s buyout, saying it has not been broached and the team is operating under the assumption that the veteran will be play with the team next season.
Wade exercised option for 2nd year
The 35-year-old Wade signed a two-year deal worth $47 million with the Bulls last season. On June 20, he exercised the player option in the contract worth $23.8 million to stay with the Bulls. However, rumors circulated that the Bulls were planning to buy out his contract after trading Jimmy Butler and 16th pick Justin Patton to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and No. 7 selection Lauri Markkanen.
When rumors of a buyout surfaced, reports emerged that Wade will join close friend James in Cleveland if he’s released by the Bulls. Marc Stein of ESPN reported that aside from Wade, the Cavaliers are also interested in acquiring Carmelo Anthony if he gets his buyout from the New York Knicks.
Earlier, James, Wade, Anthony and point guard Chris Paul expressed interest in playing together at some point in their career. However, this plan will not come into fruition in the near future as Paul was traded to the Houston Rockets while Anthony is stuck with the Knicks.
Wade struggled with Bulls last season
A 12-time All-Star, Wade was drafted fifth overall by the Miami Heat in the 2003 Draft.
He played with the Heat for 13 seasons before he signed a deal with the Bulls last season, where he averaged just 18.3 points in 60 games. Despite having Butler and Wade as leaders, the Bulls struggled early in the season but recovered just in time to finish with a 41-41 mark, enough to clinch the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
The Bulls stormed to a 2-0 lead over top seed Boston Celtics but lost the next four games.
Wade averaged 23.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists in 915 regular-season games with the Heat and the Bulls. He was also a consistent playoff performer, averaging 22.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 172 postseason outings.
