2017 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far
Dwyane Wade: 1 year, $2.3 million (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Dwyane Wade plans to sign with Cleveland once he clears waivers on Wednesday, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 26, 2017
Sources: Dwyane Wade has reached agreement on a one-year, $2.3M deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 26, 2017
In trying times, it never hurts to have a friend’s shoulder to lean on. This fundamental fact of life best explains the Cleveland Cavaliers giving a deal worth the veteran minimum to Dwyane Wade after being bought out by the Chicago Bulls.
Flash is far from washed up at this stage in his career, averaging 18.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game last season at age 35, and he gives the Cavs another playmaker with Isaiah Thomas sidelined until January. However, he was also one of the worst defensive shooting guards in the league, he can’t spread the floor to 3-point range and in a playoff series against the Golden State Warriors, he will likely be exposed.
However, reuniting Batman with his Robin is one way to ensure that LeBron James has a more enjoyable season in Cleveland, albeit one that is unlikely to end in a championship. LeBron and Wade are extremely close, and although both would be free agents at the end of the season, this move is one designed to make the King happy and add some much-needed star power and positivity to a team still reeling from Kyrie Irving’s unexpected trade request.
Wade won’t help the Cavaliers turn the tide against the Warriors, but at this point, there was no available move for them to do that anyway. At least this way, Wade gets to compete for another championship in his twilight and LeBron gets to play out what might be his last season in Cleveland alongside one of his buddies.
Bourguet Grade: B
HoopsHabit Grade: A-