Superstar LeBron James is happy with the Cleveland Cavaliers for keeping Dwyane Wade away from other interested teams that ensured their reunion will be a reality. "I'm happy that we were able to keep him away from everybody else," James told reporters, per Dave McMenamin of ESPN, regarding the signing of Wade. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Wade is expected to sign a one-year deal worth $2.3 million with the Cavaliers when he clears waivers Wednesday.
During the interview, James expressed excitement over his imminent reunion with Wade.
The two played together with the Miami Heat for four years, winning back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013. Even before they played together with the Heat, the two became close friends as they were both drafted in 2003. James told Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today that reuniting with Wade is like starting school and “one of your best friends is in there,” adding “it's gonna be fun.”
Wade recently got a buyout of his $23.8 million deal with the Chicago Bulls after playing just one season with his hometown squad. Initially, Wade exercised the player option in his deal with the Bulls after he was told that the team will field a competitive squad in the coming season. However, the Bulls traded Jimmy Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves and released veteran playmaker Rajon Rondo, indicating that they are on a rebuild.
Wade turned down Warriors
Earlier, Wojnarowski reported that aside from the Cavaliers, the San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Heat expressed interest in signing Wade. According to Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype, even the loaded Golden State Warriors tried to convince Wade to join them. Kennedy reported that the defending NBA champions called Wade’s camp and inquired about his services.
However, Wade’s camp turned down the offer after the Warriors failed to present him with a clear role on the already-talented team. Wade wanted to have a significant playing time on a contender, but the Warriors already have a loaded backcourt. The Cavaliers, for their part, have assured Wade of a starting spot in their line-up.
James to help Wade find jersey number
According to McMenamin, James will help Wade secure a number with the Cavaliers. James was negotiating with the team’s equipment manager on giving the No. 9 jersey for Wade. Currently, newcomer Cedi Osman has that number. Wade has worn the No. 3 for his entire career with the Heat and Chicago Bulls but point guard Isaiah Thomas already has it. Thomas used No. 4 during his tenure with the Boston Celtics before he was traded to the Cavaliers, along with Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, the Brooklyn Nets’ 2018 first-round pick and a 2020 second-round pick.
