Dwyane Wade reached a buyout agreement with the Chicago Bulls on Sunday, agreeing to leave roughly $8 million of his $23.8 million salary on the table, according to ESPN. Shortly after the buyout was reached, reports surfaced that the 35-year old shooting guard had four potential suitors in mind, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs.
Today, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that D-Wade is nearing a deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers and everything is expected to be finalized by Wednesday. The 12-time All-Star is eligible to sign a one-year, $2.3 million veteran's minimum contract with the Cavaliers, according to Woj.
The Miami Heat have the most money ($4.2 million) to spend of the four teams, and although Wade hasn't ruled out the idea of a future return to Miami, according to ESPN, his priority right now is to put himself in the best position to win another NBA title. Aligning himself with LeBron James once again in a weaker Eastern Conference certainly gives Wade the best opportunity to do just that.
Wade has been recruited by stars from each team since reaching a buyout with the Bulls, including Paul George who has worked out with the 3x NBA champion several times this offseason.
Wade averaged 18.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 60 games last season with the Bulls, and will [likely] join a new look Cavs roster that includes Derrick Rose, Isaiah Thomas and Jae Crowder, not to mention familiar faces like JR Smith, Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson. Isaiah Thomas won't be ready for the start of the NBA season, which tips off in about three weeks, but the team is hopeful he'll be ready to rock by January.
The Cavs will open up the 2017 NBA season at home on opening night, October 17th, against Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward and the Boston Celtics. It will mark the start of both LeBron James' and Dwyane Wade's 15th season in the league.
