Dwyane Wade, Bulls agree to buyout: report
Cavaliers among possible destinations for shooting guard
Dwyane Wade and the Chicago Bulls have reportedly agreed to a buyout, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.
The Bulls and Dwyane Wade have reached agreement on a buyout, per sources.
—@KCJHoopIt has long been rumoured that the shooting guard was expected to be bought out after the team appeared to be entering a rebuilding phase with the off-season trade of three-time NBA all-star Jimmy Butler.
According to ESPN's NBA insider, Adrian Wojnarowski, multiple teams are interested in the 35-year-old's services, including a potential reunion with ex-Miami teammate LeBron James in Cleveland.
Sources: Cleveland, San Antonio and Miami are leaders for Dwyane Wade post-Bulls buyout. OKC could become factor too.
—@wojespnIn his lone season with the Bulls, Wade averaged 18.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in 60 games played.
Wade is entering his 15th season. The 12-time all-star was in line to make about $24 million US this season from the Bulls.
Return to South Beach?
Wade has kept his home in Miami, and Heat teammates have made little secret that they would welcome him back with open arms.
Heat President Pat Riley said late last week that he is still in love with Wade. He could not discuss the possibility of trying to bring Wade back to the Heat because NBA tampering rules do not allow such conversations about players under contract with other clubs.
"Anything that happens from a personnel standpoint down the road, or any opportunities that are there, we're always going to approach that," Riley said Friday.
Wade, speaking to AP on Sunday night, indicated he may decide his next move quickly.
"I'm going to take tonight and some of tomorrow and speak to the teams or players that are on my list and go from there," Wade said. "My decision is a pure basketball decision and I'll make the one that fits me best at this point in my career, and with what I feel I have to offer a team that needs what I have to offer."
Miami has a $4.3 million exception available if they choose to pursue Wade. Cleveland or Oklahoma City would only be able to offer about half that, and the Cavaliers — even if they got Wade for $2.5 million — would likely be adding several million more on what could be an enormous luxury tax bill after the season. But the Cavs have James and three straight Eastern Conference titles, two facts that will surely be appealing to Wade.
Wade is close with Anthony, which also brings the Thunder into serious play. The wild card could be Miami, where Wade has kept his home and his popularity.
With files from The Associated Press