Dwyane Wade is defended by the Bulls' Jimmy Butler in a Heat-Bulls game in Chicago. (Photo : Getty Images / Jonathan Daniel)
Dwyane Wade has finally signed a contract with the Chicago Bulls, making his transfer from Miami official. Wade's contract is for two years, $47.5 million with a player option after one season.
In a statement picked up by the Associated Press, Bulls general manager Gar Foreman said that the 34-year old Wade will provide necessary veteran leadership both in the court and in the locker room while being a "tremendous fit" with the Bulls. The Bulls pickup of Wade was part of a bold roster shakeup that included former franchise star Derrick Rose's departure to the New York Knicks. Wade will be the highest paid player in his team for this first time in his 14-year career.
Wade himself, who grew up in Chicago and admittedly was a Bulls fan during his younger years, gave some insights regarding his decision to move to Chicago in an interview with Sports Illustrated (SI). He said that one of his dreams was to play for his hometown Chicago and that it was the right time to make the move. "I felt this was the best decision for myself at this time," Wade declared.
Despite the rumors that he switched teams because of the money, Wade said that it was not really the case. "It's about something I want to do," Wade told SI.
Wade spent 13 years with the Miami Heat and turned down the Heat's offer of two years, $40 million after a difficult contract negotiation with Heat president Pat Riley. He won three championships and was the NBA Finals MVP during their first championship run in 2006. He currently is the Heat leader in points, assists, field goals, steals and total games played. He acknowledged that the transition will be big as he still feels connected to the city of Miami, the fans and the Heat organization.
Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg certainly has his work cut out for him with the departures of Rose, Joakim Noah and Mike Dunleavy, as well as the subsequent arrivals of Wade and newly-acquired point guard Rajon Rondo. Wade and Rondo are projected to be in the starting five with two-time All-Star Jimmy Butler, who is now considered the cornerstone of the Bulls franchise.
Wade shared his thoughts in an interview below:
