Chicago Bulls star Dwyane Wade may have recently opted into his second year with the team, but how much longer will he really be here for?
On June 20, 2017, Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade announced he would be picking up his player option, opting in for a second year with the team. At 35 years old, this means the NBA superstar is owed $23.8 million through 2017-18.
However, this decision was made before the front office traded away Jimmy Butler and did not retain Rajon Rondo.
It was also prior to the Chicago’s youth movement really taking shape.
Now some may argue that Wade only opted in to collect his check in the first place. A reason as good as any, of course, when the check reads at near $24 million. After taking various pay cuts over the years with the Miami Heat, it is the veteran’s prerogative to finally put money first.
But it would be hard to imagine a scenario in which Wade is happy actually finishing out his career with the Bulls — an organization that is not only still very foreign to the guard, but is in constant turmoil. Between a front office that reportedly misleads its players, a head coach who has yet to adjust his game out of college and a roster that needs a lot of work, Chicago is not exactly in a good place currently.
Which begs the question: How much longer will Wade really be around for?
Pippen Ain't Easy
There seem to be three likely possible scenarios on the table, the first being that Wade does remain a Bull for another year.
Although it may be hard to imagine, there could be something here, luring Wade in. Perhaps it’s the appeal of being home. Maybe it’s the challenge of turning a franchise around. He would certainly be playing the part of mentor to a young team, which would start a new chapter in his career. And he would be around for the beginning stages of a rebuild, a project he might want a hand in.
There is also the possibility of a trade though. Specifically, to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Think about it. Wade and LeBron James reuniting once again would be quite a note to end things on. The Cavaliers need to make a few changes after a disappointing finals loss to the Golden State Warriors. While Wade may no longer be in his prime, he did still average 18.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.4 blocks a game in 29.9 minutes of play last year.
There is also the theory that Wade will push for a buyout, in order to return to the Heat.
Wade may want his money, but at what cost? Having indicated that he would be open to go back to Miami, a buyout would make sense. Chicago could continue appealing to younger talent. Wade could return to a team he never should have left in the first place. All would be right in the world of basketball again.
Unfortunately, there are many contributing factors at play in regards to Wade’s future.
For starters, Wade jumped the gun in picking up his player option, not having waited to see what the Bulls do in free agency. On top of that, neither a trade nor a buyout is really up to Wade. Though he may have clout in the industry, both moves would involve not just Chicago, but a second organization as well. In other words, all three parties would have to reach common ground.
As of recently, it seems the Bulls have no interest in a buyout.
Next: 2017 NBA free agency tracker - Grades for every deal so far
For now, it seems like Dwyane Wade has another complicated offseason on his hands. So how much longer will he remain with the Chicago Bulls? Ask again later.