Dwyane Wade: Did He Really Want To Leave Miami Heat?

Dwyane Wade might be optimistic about his future with the Chicago Bulls, but it is highly unlikely that he expected to be with the team.

In his introductory press conference with the Chicago Bulls, Dwyane Wade said it’s a “dream come true” to be able to play in his hometown where Michael Jordan creates his magic. But that “dream come true” was not expected by anyone, not even Wade, to become a reality.

When asked if he saw himself as a Chicago Bull at the beginning of this year in a very candid interview with ESPN’s Cari Champion, Dwayne Wade said:

"“No, no. I didn’t think it at the end of the season.”"

Although Dwyane Wade was a free agent, no one thought that he would actually leave the Miami Heat, the team where he won three championships. Many believed that somehow Pat Riley and the Heat orgnization would find a way to ensure Wade’s future with the team.

However, with the surprising move of Kevin Durant to the Golden State Warriors, basketball fans and critics alike in this free agency had to swallow the huge pill of players not being bound by their team and the power of choice.

More from Miami Heat

But the power of choice did not originally seem like the deciding factor in Wade’s decision, money seemed to controlling his decision. According to The Vertical, the Heat’s initial offer to Wade, which was about $10 million a year, did not sit well with the 13-year veteran.

While many thought that deal was understandable considering that Wade is a veteran and the Heat would need more than just him to win a title again, Wade’s camp reportedly felt that he was being underpaid, which is understandable considering Hassan Whiteside‘s recent four-year, $98 million max contract with the team.

It seemed as though Wade was finally frustrated with not always being the highest-paid player on the roster.

Pat Riley’s statement on Wade in a press conference proved that money played a significant role.

"“What happened with Dwyane Wade floored me. I’m going to miss the fact of what I might have had planned for him and his future. … I didn’t make that happen.”"

Riley also said he was “regretful” he didn’t do more to keep Wade in South Beach.

But Wade assured everyone that it was that same power of choice that ultimately influenced his decision.

"“It’s about what I wanted to do … to have the power to control your own destiny. It’s something amazing about that feeling.”"

Wade later mentioned how he felt that he would not be happy if he returned to the Heat.

It’s about what I wanted to do

Although Wade made his choice in leaving the Heat and feels content about that decision, it does not seem like that is what he was prepared to make that step. It is obvious that Wade believed he would be with the Heat for the rest of his career.

And it is rather likely that Wade would have stayed had he been paid what he felt he deserved. But this situation was not solely about his money, it was about his choice. So it is not merely about what Wade expected; it was about what he wanted.

More hoops habit: NBA: 30 Greatest Draft Steals of the Lottery Era

And Wade did what he wanted to do when he signed with the Chicago Bulls.

Home/Miami Heat

Did Dwyane Wade Really Want To Leave The Heat?

By Deasia Paige | Aug 4, 2016

Dwyane Wade might be optimistic about his future with the Chicago Bulls, but it is highly unlikely that he expected to be with the team.