Chicago Bulls: What To Expect From Dwyane Wade

Former Miami Heat superstar Dwyane Wade has chosen to come play for the Chicago Bulls, so what will things look like this season?

In perhaps the most shocking free agency move, well…ever, Dwyane Wade announced he would be signing with the Chicago Bulls. After 13 years of playing for the Miami Heat, the superstar is ready to come back to the place where it all started for him.

While the majority of Heat Nation is sad to see him go, so far Bulls fans seem split on the news.

Although some are excited to have such a name join their team, others are confused as to how he will fit into the system; like Rajon Rondo, Wade does not exactly fall into the “younger and more athletic” tagline that the front office preached after trading away Derrick Rose.

So what can Chicagoans really expect from Wade?

Well first and foremost, a whole lot of professionalism.

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Despite his recent decision turning into somewhat of a circus, it has to be noted that Wade generally does not act in such a manner. Throughout his years in Miami, he has been nothing but agreeable; the organization loved having him as the face of their franchise, and he was a fan favorite from just about the first moment he first stepped on the court.

He has done a lot for not just the Heat as a team, but the culture of basketball in South Beach period. And from mentoring young players to helping out the community itself, Wade has never been anything short of generous when it came to giving back.

It would be hard to find anyone in Miami that would call him anything less than a first class-act.

With that said, he is also a leader.

While many assumed Rose’s departure would pave the way for Chicago to become Jimmy Butler‘s team, think again.

Sure, adding Rondo already somewhat disproved that theory, as the veteran has been used to star treatment ever since his days with the Boston Celtics. But Rondo has also always played alongside other big — mostly even bigger — talents.

Wade, on the other hand, is a different story.

Despite having played with both LeBron James and Chris Bosh, the Heat has always been Wade’s team. And although this will not exactly be the case with the Bulls, do not expect the 34-year-old to take a backseat either.

It will certainly be interesting to see how Wade, Rondo and Butler will work together. Not just in terms of pure basketball logistics, but in regards to egos clashing. With Wade undoubtedly expecting to still be treated as the legend that he is, Rondo being a bit of a hot-head and Butler more than ready to call Chicago his, things may be dicey at first.

But with so many years of experience, comes veteran knowledge.

And Wade will certainly be a great example to guys like Butler.

To have someone as esteemed as Wade on your team, is invaluable; obviously, on the court, but also when it comes to growing as a player off of the court. He will be able to preach what it is like to have a long-lasting, successful career, including how to get to that point and also how to stay there.

The Bulls and the Heat may have a multitude of differences when it comes to their basketball cultures, but they do have one thing in common: they are both large market teams. So Wade will absolutely be able to show his teammates how to navigate the waters. Heck, he may even be able to teach a thing or two to head coach Fred Hoiberg and general manager Gar Forman.

When it comes to pure numbers, do not be fooled: Wade has plenty left in the tank.

Having averaged 19.0 points, 4.3 assists and 4.1 rebounds in 30.5 minutes per game last season, the veteran is not exactly washed up. In fact, many Miami fans said it was as though he had found the fountain of youth.

Having a player of such a caliber around will certainly help Chicago’s narrative, too.

Realistically, the Bulls were drawn to what Wade could do for the organization, marketing-wise. Having Wade around will not only help get fans excited about the team once again, but will work to lure other big names into considering Chicago as well.

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It is no secret that things with Bulls management have been…shaky, as of late. Between Butler calling out Hoiberg publicly, Joakim Noah having it with the front office, and Forman making questionable decision after questionable decision, Chicago was somewhat of a hard sell.

But now, that may all change.

However, do not be surprised if a trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers goes down.

As with most things in life, there is probably a catch here. That being, Wade may likely seek a trade to the Cavaliers in December, to once again team up with James.

Realistically, the Bulls have no shot at a title right now. In fact, it is somewhat hard to imagine them even making the postseason. And while Cleveland had no money to offer Wade during free agency, they certainly have plenty of pieces that can be used in a trade to acquire him.

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Welcome to the Chicago Bulls, Dwyane Wade. Here’s to a new start.

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