It is not yet official, but the probability is high considering the message came directly from Chicago Bulls GM Gar Forman -- Dwyane Wade won’t be wearing the Bulls jersey by the end of the 2017-18 NBA season. No, D-Wade won’t be traded. The plan is for the Chicago management to buy out the remainder of his contract.
According to Nick Friedell of ESPN, Wade and the Chicago Bulls are “expected to reach a buyout agreement at some point in the next few months,” according to GM Forman back at the Las Vegas Summer League. However, the two camps have yet to officially discuss the terms.
Yet this early, some Miami fans are rejoicing as the possibility of the city’s long lost son coming back is high.
Rebuilding the Bulls organization
Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg may have already shared with Wade the front office’s plan to buy out his contract. Bulls’ insider Vincent Goodwill tweeted back in July that Hoiberg has spoken with Wade (possibly after Jimmy Butler was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves) about buying out his contract, saying it won’t happen “this summer”.
Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg said he doesn't anticipate Dwyane Wade being bought out this summer. Said they've spoken via text since trade
— Vincent Goodwill (@vgoodwill) July 9, 2017
With the current situation of the Chicago Bulls, they were recently picked to land dead last this 2017-18 NBA season with only 26 projected wins according to ESPN Forecast.
But that’s because they really wanted to be in the said situation.
The Bulls wanted to be in the best possible position in the 2018 NBA Draft. In this way, they have higher chances of landing top rookie prospects which include Marvin Bagley III, Michael Porter Jr., and EuroLeague sensation, Slovenian Luka Doncic. But they won’t be able to do so if D-Wade remains on their roster.
Return to Miami or join LeBron?
Moments after reports of D-Wade contract’s possible buyout surfaced, Miami Heat fans began rejoicing as if the prodigal son’s return is imminent. Even Heat’s center Hassan Whiteside is intrigued whether Wade comes back in Miami.
— Hassan Whiteside (@youngwhiteside) August 16, 2017
Wade’s move would be very interesting to see after his contract is presumably bought out by the Bulls.
Aside from rejoining the Miami Heat, there are a lot of NBA teams who would definitely vie to get his service especially those which are currently rebuilding their franchises and has a “win-now” attitude like the Boston Celtics or the New Orleans Pelicans, or even the San Antonio Spurs.
Yet, another possible prospect would be to join his old teammate, LeBron James. For one, there’s a big chance Kyrie Irving would be gone next season. Plus, gunning for another NBA title will be easier for Wade if he joins the Cleveland Cavaliers. He can sign a one-year veteran’s minimum contract and possibly come off the bench. That way, he can also run after another individual award, the Sixth Man of the Year.
