Veteran Dwyane Wade is expected to sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers once he clears waivers Wednesday, reuniting with his Miami Heat teammate LeBron James. Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com reported that Wade is “leaning heavily toward” a reunion with James after he clears waivers. Later, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN said Wade is “nearing a commitment” to join the Cavaliers and the signing could happen as early as Wednesday. Wade reportedly gave back $8 million of his $23.8 million base salary to the Chicago Bulls to complete the buyout.

Wojnarowski said Wade also considered other contenders like the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs.

He also wanted a reunion with the Miami Heat, but he favored his desire to play for a contender rather than return to the team that he helped lead to three NBA crowns. With the Cavaliers, Wade will be reunited with James, a close friend and former Heat teammate. James and Wade led the Heat to back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013. Wade also won a crown in 2006 with Shaquille O’Neal.

According to Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype, Wade leaned toward joining the Cavaliers after he was told that he would be a starter in Cleveland. During Monday’s media interview, James expressed interest in a reunion with Wade. “I would love to have him here,” James told Ben Axelrod of WKYC. If he eventually joins the Cavaliers, Wade will share playing time with J.R.

Smith, who will return to his previous role as the team’s sixth man.

Warriors also tried to acquire Wade

The already talent-laden Golden State Warriors also tried to entice Wade to join them, according to Kennedy, who reported that the defending champions called the veteran’s camp to express interest in his services. However, Kennedy said the discussions didn't last long because it was unclear what role Wade would play with the Warriors, who kept the core of their championship team intact and added shooting guard Nick Young in the offseason.

According to Kennedy, the Warriors cannot present a clear plan about Wade’s playing time. Also, the Warriors already have 15 players under guaranteed contracts on their roster.

Wade felt deceived by Bulls

Kennedy earlier reported that Wade asked for a buyout from the Bulls after he felt deceived by the team. The Bulls promised Wade that they will form a competitive team for the coming season, prompting the veteran to exercise the $23.8 million player option in his contract.

However, the Bulls went the other way as they traded superstar Jimmy Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves and released point guard Rajon Rondo. Last season, Wade averaged 18.3 points per game in 60 outings.