Superstar LeBron James said he loves the possibility of playing alongside Dwyane Wade anew with the Cleveland Cavaliers. They played with the Miami Heat for four years, giving the franchise back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013 before James returned to Cleveland in 2014. Wade could be reunited with James if he picks the Cavaliers as next stop to his Hall-of-Fame career. He recently got a buyout from the Chicago Bulls, and he could sign with any team once he clears waivers.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the 35-year-old Wade agreed to give back $8 million of his $23.8 million base salary to facilitate the buyout. Aside from the Cavaliers, the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat are expected to pursue Wade.
At his age, Wade said he wants to join a playoff team, which he can do once he clears waivers. Wade was convinced to exercise the $23.8 million player option in his contract when the Bulls promised him that they would form a competitive team in the coming season. However, the Bulls went on a different direction as they traded superstar Jimmy Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves and released veteran point guard Rajon Rondo.
Thomas’ rehab going well
If he joins the Cavaliers, Wade is expected to cut into the playing time of J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert. He is also expected to get some time at point guard with isaiah thomas still out with injury. The Cavaliers have Derrick Rose and Jose Calderon as primary playmakers until Thomas returns from a hip injury, which could happen in late December, according to Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com.
Vardon said Thomas might play when the Cavaliers face the defending champion Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day. Vardon noted that Thomas has “made real progress” in his rehabilitation from a hip injury, working with weights and doing hip mobilization stretches.
Vardon added that the 28-year-old Thomas is also working out on a weightless treadmill and is now shooting stationary shots on the court with no ill effects
Rose to start at point guard
Thomas was acquired by the Cavaliers from the Boston Celtics in exchange for Kyrie Irving. Aside from Thomas, the Cavaliers also got Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, the Brooklyn Nets' 2018 first-round pick and a 2020 second-round pick. Last season, he averaged 28.9 points and 5.9 assists for the Celtics. Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue said during media day that Rose will start at point guard until Thomas returns. Lue is convinced that the 28-year-old Rose can still play at a high level and he could help the Cavaliers keep their spot as the top team in the Eastern Conference.