Dwyane Wade picked up his $23.8 million option to stay with the Chicago Bulls. However, it seems that he may not even touch the court with a Bulls jersey this season. According to ESPN's Nick Friedell, it would be no surprise if Wade accepts a buyout with the Bulls. It would be a costly move for Chicago, but Wade did not sign up for a rebuilding project. The Bulls traded away Jimmy Butler for two players and a draft pick this offseason. The move would allow others to be on the court, and Wade to pursue other teams. Who would those teams be though?
Miami Heat
Wade spent 13 seasons in Miami and helped bring three championships to the city. He would not win a title, but the idea of retiring as a member of the Heat is enticing. Udonis Haslem said on Thursday that the team would love to have him back. If the Heat were to acquire Wade, it's possible that they could try and be more aggressive in acquiring Kyrie Irving. However, it would be difficult to find lineups that featured Irving, Wade, and Dion Waiters unless the team went with three guards.
Boston Celtics
The Celtics have a loaded roster. Wade would likely have to take a huge pay cut and would have to come off the bench. However, this would allow Wade to stay in the watered down eastern conference.
He would likely get a shot to play against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the conference finals. Boston would give Wade a legitimate shot to make it back to the NBA finals.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets have not acquired Carmelo Anthony yet, but they are still trying. If Wade secured a buyout, he could likely be persuaded to take less money to play with his two good buddies in Anthony and Chris Paul.
There's also that MVP-runner up in James Harden, but he was never a "banana boat guy." The Rockets would be a huge threat to take down the Golden State Warriors if they could find a way to get Anthony and Wade despite both being in their late thirties.
San Antonio Spurs
You always have to count the Spurs in the mix for veteran players that want to win a title.
Greg Popovich is the most respected head coach in the league. Everyone wants to play for "Pop." The Spurs have Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge. Tony Parker will be back in February. The Spurs only have a few years left of Parker and Aldridge, so Wade would be a nice complement in the starting lineup or a backup to Danny Green.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Wade and James are best friends. In a perfect world, the Cavaliers would love to keep Irving. They only have one year left to complete for a title if reports are true about James leaving after this season. Wade is 35 years old. He doesn't have too many years left. He could bolt for Cleveland and join an already stacked team. Kevin Love, JR Smith, and Tristan Thompson are still productive players. Wade could backup Smith, or start and turn Smith into a sixth man. It makes perfect sense for Wade to go to Cleveland.
