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Chicago Bulls: Miami Heat Fans Campaign For Dwyane Wade

By Allana Tachauer

Jan 25, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) during the second half at the United Center. The Miami Heat defeated the Chicago Bulls 96-84. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) during the second half at the United Center. The Miami Heat defeated the Chicago Bulls 96-84. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
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Former Miami Heat superstar Dwyane Wade may have just announced his decision to join the Chicago Bulls, but fans already want him back.

In a move no one saw coming, former Miami Heat superstar Dwyane Wade recently announced that he would be signing with the Chicago Bulls.

And after rooting for him for 13 years in South Beach, Heat Nation did not take it very well.

While some were frustrated over the situation, blaming Heat president Pat Riley for not trying harder to bridge the gap between the front office and Wade, others were just sad.

Sad that Wade would no longer represent Miami. Sad that he would not end his career in a place he had learned to call home.

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But unlike when LeBron James announced his decision to return back to the Cleveland Cavaliers, no one was angry.

There were no jerseys burned to the ground. No hate letters written. No ill wishes sent forward.

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Because for 13 years, Wade was a hero to Heat fans.

He revived the organization when he was drafted No. 5 overall in 2003. He brought the franchise their first championship in 2006. Put together the Big Three in 2010. Earned another two titles in 2012 and 2013. Did not leave in 2014, despite James’ departure.

And played like he had discovered a fountain of youth this past year, leading Miami to one game short of the Eastern Conference Finals.

He was always the face of the team. The heart and soul of the city.

So if going to Chicago was what he wanted to do, Heat Nation would support him.

But that does not mean that they will not try and get him back.

In fact, the campaign has already begun.

When it was first revealed that the 34-year-old had chosen to sign with the Bulls, taking him back to his hometown, everyone was stunned. And for a few days, their worlds stopped. All they could do was process the reality that Wade was leaving, and mourn the fact thereafter.

But then, a fire was ignited. Fans would not let the guard go without a fight.

And just like that, #BringBackWade was started.

Never mind that the Heat made six deals in less than 24 hours, re-signing Udonis Haslem and Tyler Johnson, bringing in Willie Reed and luring aboard Derrick Williams, James Johnson and Luke Babbitt.

If Riley could go to work to fill empty roster spots, he could surely still make room for Wade once more.

This movement was also fueled by the fact that reportedly, Chicago would not be signing Wade until July 29; an oddity, considering most players sign their contracts within a few days of reaching an agreement.

In comparison, Rajon Rondo, another newly acquired Bull, has already gone through a formal introduction from the Advocate Center.

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So is it likely that Wade changes his mind and stays with Miami?

No.

But it is also not entirely impossible.

After all, DeAndre Jordan backed out of his agreement with the Dallas Mavericks, to return to the Los Angeles Clippers.

And Heat Nation, knows it too.

In any case, fans feel that even if Wade does indeed honor his deal with the Bulls, that does not mean he will not come back to the Heat to finish out his career.

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Wade may be getting ready to start a new chapter in Chicago, but one this is clear: his legacy in Miami will never be forgotten.

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