Dwyane Wade is back in Miami where it all started and he has no intentions of leaving again. The 36-year old point guard, who was traded to Miami as part of the Cavs' trade deadline roster overhaul, plans to play out the remainder of his career in a Heat jersey.
In a recent interview with ESPN's Jorge Sedano, Wade spoke about ending his career in Miami and how he doesn't want an extravagant farewell tour like the one Kobe Bryant received in his final season.
D-Wade isn't prepared to call it a career just yet, but when he does decide to retire he says he doesn't want all of the gifts and celebrations along the way because "I'm not a narcissist like that."
"I talked to Kobe about that," Wade said (H/T Complex's Gavin Evans). "He was like 'It was exhausting. As flattering as it was, it was very exhausting as well.' I'm not a narcissist like that. I don’t think I need it. I'm not calling Kobe a narcissist. He earned it and needed that. But I can't set out and say I want a farewell tour like Kobe Bryant. That's not who I am. I don't really talk about it, but when the time comes [to retire] I'll announce it in my own D-Wade fashion. Hopefully I can move on and live on the memories from that point on."
"I’m 36. How did I even get here? Right now, I'm playing the game and I'm taking it year by year," Wade said. "I'm going into the summer seeing how I feel, especially from this point on and then we'll see. But I'm here forever. This is Wade County forever. I will always be here. No matter where I go in the world I will be here. Until I get done playing the game of basketball, I'll have on a Miami Heat jersey and I will enjoy this ride as long as it lasts."
Wade spent his first 13 seasons with the Miami Heat after being selected fifth overall out of Marquette in the 2003 NBA Draft. He ranks as the Heat's All-Time leader in a number of categories, including points (20234), assists (4952), steals (1416), and games played (857), just to name a few.
