Chicago Bulls: Is Dwyane Wade headed back to the Miami Heat?

Despite having picked up his player option for 2017-18 with the Chicago Bulls, is Dwyane Wade headed back to the Miami Heat?

Dwyane Wade‘s career took a strange turn last summer when he decided to forego re-signing with the Miami Heat. Instead, he agreed to a two-year contract with the Chicago Bulls, calling it his homecoming.

Despite South Beach having been his home for the better of 13 years. Wade County and all.

And now, things are about to get even weirder.

Because although Wade recently picked up his player option for a second year in Chicago, it seems he may just end up back in Miami after all.

Of course, this would be easier said than done. For starters, the Bulls front office would have to agree to a buyout. Which, for now, is not something they seem too keen on.

"“I know [general manager] Gar [Forman] has spoken to Leon Rose, Dwyane’s agent,” vice president John Paxson told ESPN‘s Nick Friedell. “As far as a buyout, it has not been broached. I will say this, that in this type of scenario, it would have to benefit us. It would absolutely have to benefit us. Dwyane was a great pro last year, and he’s been around a lot of different situations. He was in Miami when they had a couple rebuilding years as well. So right now we’re operating under the assumption that he’ll be here. But like I said, if that subject is ever broached by them, then it would have to be advantageous for us.”"

Head coach Fred Hoiberg also chimed in on the topic, stating: “As of right now, no. I don’t see that.”

The Heat would also need to find a way to incorporate him back into the organization. Not just financially, but also in regards to taking on a new role.

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Miami would not be able to offer the NBA superstar a big-money deal, but the team does still have a $4.3 million exception to use. And while there are already an abundance of guards in Goran Dragic, Wayne Ellington, Tyler Johnson, Rodney McGruder, Josh Richardson and Dion Waiters, veteran leadership is always welcome.

As for Wade himself, the question becomes: What kind of note does he want to end his career on?

Obviously, earning a worthy paycheck is of importance to the 35-year-old. Although the majority of his decision to come to Chicago was seemingly to teach Heat president Pat Riley a lesson, money was also a key factor. This was made clear by Wade opting in on a second year with the Bulls, which holds a nearly $24 million price tag.

So to come back to the Heat on something like a $4.3 million exception may be hard for him to swallow, even with money earned from a buyout.

However, it is hard to imagine a player of his caliber being willing to essentially throw away the last of his time in the league. With Chicago in a rebuilding stage, as well as working through issues with its front office, coaching staff and roster, Wade is currently in the middle of a hot mess — a hot mess that, for now, has no expiration date. As long as Paxson and Forman are around, anyway.

Therefore, Wade may very well welcome a reduced role in Miami. This way, he can at least once again be part of a winning franchise.

Next: 2017 NBA free agency tracker - Grades for every deal so far

Dwyane Wade may have agreed to another year with the Chicago Bulls, but do not be surprised if he ends up right back with the Miami Heat. Especially if reports of the veteran enrolling his son and nephew in a South Florida school are true…