While many believe that Dwyane Wade’s arrival could be a blessing for the Cleveland Cavaliers, former NBA player Raja Bell is convinced that the veteran could be a distraction for the team and his signing could backfire in the end. Bell, a 12-year NBA veteran, told CBS Sports Flagrant Two podcast that Wade, right now, is a 15-17 minute a night guy who can step up and give the Cavaliers the buckets when they need them.
However, Bell said that Wade might resist that role and could demand more playing time and a spot in the starting lineup. “If he is hell bent on reviving a career in the twilight, it could be a major distraction to what they're trying to do,” said Bell, referring to the Cavaliers’ mission to dethrone the Golden State Warriors as defending champions.
Wade got buyout from Bulls
Entering his 15th NBA season, the 35-year-old Wade played 60 games last season with the Chicago Bulls, averaging 18.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists in under 30 minutes per game. He exercised the $23.8 million player option in his contract with the Bulls, expecting that the team will field a competitive roster in the coming season. However, the team went in a different direction, trading superstar Jimmy Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves and releasing veteran point guard Rajon Rondo in the offseason.
Wade signed a one-year, $2.3 million deal with the Cavaliers after reaching a buyout agreement with the Bulls. Wade had to give back $8 million of his salary to the Bulls as part of the deal, ending his one-year stint with his hometown team on a sour note.
Wade was pursued by several teams, including the San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder, Miami Heat and the Cavs. Wade eventually selected the Cavs, reuniting him with former Heat teammate and close friend LeBron James. Wade and James played together with the Heat for four years, winning back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013.
Haslem considered Cavaliers
According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Heat veteran forward Udonis Haslem almost considered joining the Cavaliers in the offseason. Haslem said he received an interesting call from the Cavaliers, who conveyed their interest through Cavaliers assistant coach James Posey, who also played for the Heat.
Haslem said he never visited the Cavaliers but hinted that his agent, Leon Rose, met with the front office. However, Haslem decided to remain with the Heat, signing a one-year deal worth $2.3 million with the only team that he has played for in his 14 years in the NBA. Earlier, Haslem expressed his desire to play with Wade in Miami again.
