As former Miami Heat superstar Dwyane Wade gets ready to start a new life back home with the Chicago Bulls, some of his new teammates have already started to show him love.
It is probably still as shocking to hear it today as it was last week: Dwyane Wade will not re-sign with the Miami Heat and is headed to the Chicago Bulls instead.
And while Wade may not have technically signed his contract with the organization just yet, some of his new teammates are already showing the talent some love.
A few days after it was announced that the 34-year-old was heading home to Chicago, he finally broke his silence at his basketball camp in South Beach.
Having had all eyes on him since the Heat re-signed Hassan Whiteside, Wade gave no indication of what his intentions for next season would be.
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Although during the postseason he said it would be a “no-brainer” in regards to returning to Miami, somewhere down the line this changed, resulting in days of speculation around the league.
But finally, things came to a head and it seemed that whatever road block Heat president Pat Riley and the guard had hit, could not be overcome. Wade would be joining the Bulls.
"“It’s going to be a lot of stuff said about me and Pat. First of all, I love Pat. He has a job to do. He has a different hat to wear. That hat sometimes is not to be my best friend. That hat is to be the president of the organization and to be a businessman, and that sucks. You love each other, but the business side comes out, and you have to deal with it. I’m not saying we’ve hugged and cried and shared tears at this moment. but I love Pat and will always love Pat. And I know he feels the say way about me.”"
And that he does. In a text about Wade, Riley said:
"“I truly loved Dwyane, but families grow, change and get on with another life. He will always be a part of us. ALWAYS! And no more bruises and enough fighting. Let’s just fly above it if we can and never forget. I feel his pain and pride for what pushed him over the ledge. Been there. Forever, for always, your coach I will be. FOREVER!”"
So far, Wade has not made many comments on coming to Chicago, but he did mention this new chapter in his career when he appeared on Live With Kelly Ripa.
"“I’ve always envisioned myself being in the backyard, always had a Bulls jersey on, always envisoned Dwyane Wade’s name being called in the United Center. I get the opportunity to live that dream out.”"
Wade is not expected to sign his contract until July 29, therefore not receiving any formal introduction from guys like general manager Gar Forman and head coach Fred Hoiberg just yet. However, some of Wade’s new teammates are excited for the future together.
For example, Cristiano Felicio and Doug McDermott:
https://twitter.com/felicio_21/status/750892395001024512
Rajon Rondo also called Wade part of a new “alpha group,” consisting of himself, the superstar and Jimmy Butler.
"“The main thing is that we have three alphas. There will be three alphas on the team.”"
And Bobby Portis expressed not only his excitement to play alongside Wade, but also that of his mother’s:
"“That’s actually, like, my mom’s favorite player. That’s all the things she always talked about when I was growing up as a kid was ‘D-Wade this, D-Wade that.’ My mom actually texted me the same day when he said he was coming, and she was, like, going nuts. It was crazy.”"
As for Bulls rookie Denzel Valentine?
"“I’m going to be learning from the best of the best. D-Wade is probably one of the best shooting guards to ever play the game, so if I can learn from him my first couple years, see how he gets ready for games, plays games, takes care of his body.”"
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Although Chicago fans still seem torn on whether or not they are happy about Wade joining the Bulls, it is clear to see his new teammates are ready to start their journey together.