Retirement is now inevitable for the Miami Heat's Udonis Haslem. The veteran already played 14 seasons in the NBA and won three championships. It seems like there is nothing more for him to desire following a memorable career, but he has one more wish. The 37-year-old hopes to have Dwyane Wade back in Miami.
In a report by Palm Beach Post, Haslem spoke about Wade Saturday. According to him, he "would love" for Wade to be with the Heat once again. He just wants his close friend to be happy and "hopefully it’s in Miami." Haslem also shared the plan of ending their NBA careers as teammates.
Similar to Wade, Haslem entered the NBA in 2003. However, unlike "The Flash" who was a top pick, he was an undrafted rookie. They played alongside one another for 13 years before Wade left last summer to sign with his hometown team, the Chicago Bulls.
Wade might return
The good news for Haslem, there is a chance that Wade heads back to Miami. A few weeks ago, there were rumors that Wade is looking for a contract buyout. He aims to part ways with the Chicago Bulls after they traded Jimmy Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The deal centered on Butler suggests that the Bulls will undergo the rebuilding phase. It is something Wade does not want to participate in at this point of his career and at 35 years old.
Cavaliers spoiling reunion
The Cleveland Cavaliers were part of arguably the biggest deal in this year's offseason. They sent Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, a 2018 first-round pick (from the Brooklyn Nets), and a 2020 second-rounder (from Miami). Many believe the Cavs are not yet done making roster moves and are targeting a few prominent players.
Unfortunately for Haslem and the Heat, one of those is Wade.
Wade to the Cavaliers is feasible because Cleveland is the home of one of his closest friends, LeBron James. The partnership is tried and tested on the court as it helped the Heat capture two NBA titles. Aside from this, as mentioned, Wade has the win-now mentality.
Cleveland is different from Chicago since it is not looking to rebuild. It is an organization that is a legitimate contender for the 2018 NBA championship. Joining Wade on the Cavaliers' radar are New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony and New Orleans Pelicans center DeMarcus Cousins. Anthony has a no-trade clause, which he could waive for the right team. Meanwhile, Cousins only has one year left on his current contract.
