Cleveland Cavaliers are trying to improve this offseason in order to stay competitive next year, but things haven't gone well for them so far. Many fans hoped to see the reunion of Dwyane Wade and LeBron James in Cleveland, but it may not happen this summer, as Wade will most likely remain a Chicago Bull. The potential reunion will have to wait for another year, but the Cavaliers may not have that much time.
While Wade's decision to stay in Chicago is not 100 percent certain, the latest comments by Bulls head coach, Fred Hoiberg, imply that the shooting guard's contract will not be bought out.
Dwyane Wade will be paid nearly $24 million next season and it makes sense for him to play for the Bulls. This will be the second and the final year of his contract with Chicago and he will be a free agent next summer.
Fred Hoiberg comments about Dwyane Wade
Just a few weeks ago, there was a lot of talk about Wade's potential buyout from the Chicago Bulls. In case of the buyout, Wade would receive some money from the team and his contract would be terminated. The Bulls' front office even made it clear that Wade would have to return a "large chunk" of his $24 million if he wants to be bought out. After the process, the shooting guard would become a free agent and would have no ties to the Bulls.
However, Fred Hoiberg recently talked about Wade's situation, and he implied that the guard will stay in Chicago for another season. When he was asked about the potential buyout, this is what Hoiberg had to say for ESPN: "As of right now, no. I don't see that. Dwyane, he's going to have an important role on this team as a mentor.
He's going to obviously play for us and hopefully play well. And take the role of leadership. It's going to be very important with him."
Of course, this does not mean that Dwyane Wade's contract will not be bought out. The Bulls will be able to do the buyout at any point of the offseason. However, Hoiberg's comments indicate that the team may have changed their approach and will let Wade stay in Chicago for the final year of his deal.
Wade's reunion with LeBron James in Cleveland
Right after Jimmy Butler was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, there had been a lot of rumors of Wade joining the Cleveland Cavaliers. Wade, who will turn 36 next season, would have a great opportunity to win his fourth championship ring. On the other side, the Cavaliers would get an experienced veteran who knows what it takes to win it all.
LeBron James and Wade spent four years playing together in Miami and they reached the NBA Finals in each year. Furthermore, they won two championship rings for the Heat and they were incredibly fun to watch.
While this potential reunion would benefit both Wade and the Cleveland, it seems it won't happen anytime soon.
If Wade's contract was bought out, the Cavaliers would be able to sign him to a new deal and the shooting guard would probably take a pay cut to play on the championship contender. However, the only way for Cleveland to acquire Wade now is through a trade, which is something that wouldn't benefit them at all.