Matt Stout of New Jersey writes: Regardless of what Dwyane Wade says, at this point there’s no way of knowing where he’ll land. He may end up where his heart takes him.
Will Bulls guard Dwyane Wade return to Chicago next season? For the Bulls it would mean picking up his $23.8 million dollar player option.
The Shade Room
Wade’s first season with Chicago didn’t go as well as expected. But all the blame shouldn’t fall on Wade. Guard Rajon Rondo had attitude/team issues and Jimmy Butler was not the leader the Bull had hoped he would be.
Wade talked about his options with ESPN: “There’s so many different variables that come into play, especially for me at this point in my career…. I have a great luxury. I don’t need to ring-chase, but I can. It’s a great luxury to have if I want to do.”
That being said, here are a couple of teams that Wade has the potential of joining this off-season. Possible destinations are:
1. Bulls – Even though this year didn’t go as well as expected, there’s still a chance Wade will remain in Chicago. For starters, Chicago is his home town. Second, because Wade is in the latter stages of his career, if he decides that rings aren’t important, then there may not be a compelling reason to leave. Finally, the $23.8 million player option is likely more than others teams could or would offer. Staying for the cash is a compelling reason
2. Cavaliers – Although the Cavaliers would have a hard time finding money to sign Wade, there is always a possibility that his friendship with LeBron could prevail.
And, if Wade wants to ring chase, Cleveland is the destination.
3. Heat – If Wade decides Chicago isn’t the place for him, then Miami fans would welcome him back with open arms. Although championship chances are unlikely, nobody would blame Wade for going down with the ship he captained for a decade.
4. Pacers – After Indiana lost to Cleveland in the ’17 Playoffs, rumors started circulating that Paul George is considering leaving the team for a more favorable destination. If that’s the case, then the Pacers may look in free agency for a scoring option. Wade could fit the bill. But, depending on other moves the Pacers make, Indiana could become a contender in the East by signing a premier player in free agency.
Regardless of what Wade says publicly, there’s no way of knowing at this point how this episode will go down. The likely scenario is that the pieces will fall into place after the 2017 NBA Champ is crowned.
In the end, though, Dwayne Wade may end up where his heart takes him.
