Dwyane Wade is now with the Cleveland Cavaliers, but his heart still belongs to the Miami Heat. In a recent interview with the Associated Press, Wade shared his intention of closing out his career in Miami. He played 13 seasons for the Heat and helped the franchise win three NBA championships.
"Miami, the door’s always unlocked. One day I want to retire in a Miami Heat jersey. I don’t know how that will happen, but I definitely want to make sure that when I decide to hang it up, that jersey is on," Wade stated. The 35-year-old is willing to emulate Paul Pierce just to accomplish his goal of retiring with the Heat.
In July, Pierce signed a one-day contract to retire as a member of the Boston Celtics.
Even before Wade completed his buyout with the Chicago Bulls and agreed to a contract with the Cavaliers, there were rumors that he was returning to Miami. However, nothing happened, though he and the Heat expressed in the past, the desire to reunite in the future.
No need for Wade
In the interview, Wade revealed that one of the reasons why he did not choose the Heat is because he believes they did not need him. He wanted to have a role that would make him happy, and it is unlikely for him to get that in Miami. The squad already has plenty of shooting guards. If Wade rejoined the organization, it was possible that he would come off the bench as the backup to projected starter, Dion Waiters.
With the Cavaliers, he is the starter at the shooting guard position with fellow veteran J.R. Smith as the second-stringer.
Championship chase
Wade stated that the main reason why he signed with the Cavaliers is to have the opportunity to hoist his fourth Larry O'Brien Trophy. He also thinks that in Cleveland, he will be able to "continue to play and compete at the highest level." Aside from these, Wade hopes that he and LeBron James can win their third NBA title together.
Another organization that could have helped Wade in his championship pursuit was the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder improved significantly in the offseason after trading for Paul George and Carmelo Anthony, who will now play together with reigning MVP Russell Westbrook. Oklahoma City was one of the top potential destinations for Wade when he parted ways with the Bulls. Anthony and George may have even tried to recruit him during the team's media day. Unfortunately for them, he ended up in Cleveland and will once again team up with James.
