Dwyane Wade could join LeBron James and the Cavs in 2017. (Photo : Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
There are now more big names getting involved in NBA trade rumors as the Chicago Bulls have made a crucial decision on the fate of their roster.
The Bulls are just about to implode. Their "three alphas" are bickering on social media and the coach doesn't have a clue how to contain them. Rajon Rondo, Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler have no shortage or egos or opinions and only winning can cover up such a situation.
The Bulls are sitting on a 24-25 win-loss record, enough for the seventh seed in the East but by no means safe. There are no indications that the players are finally getting along well..quite the contrary in fact.
This has led to a bold claim by Dan LeBatard in his ESPN radio show (h/t Sir Charles in Charge).
"Is it a known thing that Wade is on the block? Wade is on the block. They are willing to trade Dwyane Wade. The Chicago Bulls are shopping Dwyane Wade. Is that a known thing?
Chicago is willing to do it...Chicago is making everyone on their roster available except Jimmy Butler. I guess maybe that's not surprising...If Cleveland wants him (Wade) they can have him."
This is probably the first time that the rumors focused on Wade. There were rumblings about Rondo but he hardly has any trade value. Jimmy Butler has high trade value that's why it was reported that there were some teams interested, but the rumors didn't hold up.
Wade is still a capable player who can score consistently and lead a young team, but he is 35 years old, earning $23 million this season and can opt in on the next for $23.8 million. Not much of a bargain but the right team would definitely take the risk.
That "right team" could be the Cleveland Cavaliers. Bereft of a playmaker, Wade has been a proven commodity and there won't be any problem fitting him alongside LeBron James.
This was already discussed last summer when fans tracked Wade and James riding on a private jet on the way to Cleveland. James himself confirmed their intention on ESPN. He stated why Wade ended up on Chicago instead.
"We couldn't afford him," James said. "It's that simple."
Has that situation changed? Not so, but the Cavs priorities and the Bulls' willingness may have. Cleveland does not have draft picks that the Bulls covet but they may send some of their core pieces to another team. That's another conversation altogether, though.
The key here is that Wade, as LeBatard claims, is available for the taking if the Cavs want him.
