Reports: Dwyane Wade Could End Up With Cavs, Spurs or Heat After Reaching Buyout Agreement With Bulls

Dwyane Wade agreed to a buyout with the Chicago Bulls on Sunday, and several teams have since been rumored to sign the veteran guard.

Dwyane Wade trade news

According to several sources, the Cleveland Cavaliers, the San Antonio Spurs, the Miami Heat and the Oklahoma City Thunder have emerged as favorites to land 35-year-old Wade, who played his first season with the Bulls last year after spending 13 years in Miami. Wade signed a two-year, $47.5 million deal with the Bulls in July 2016.

The Chicago Tribune‘s K.C. Johnson first reported the news.

Wade commented on the decision, via Johnson:

“I just felt it was time for me, turning 36, that I want to be competing for a championship. I said when I got here, it was always a dream for me to play here. And getting that opportunity was special. And I can’t even say it wasn’t what everyone expected because we went to the playoffs. And trying to restore this franchise to respectability was our goal. The organization decided to go in a different direction, which I respect.”

“I understand how business works in this league. They were going a direction that at this point of my career, I didn’t want to be a part of. Being unselfish, these young players they’re giving these opportunities to, they need to have that time to make mistakes and learn as they’re growing and building what they envision. They don’t need an old guy like me hanging around them.”

Wade also said it was a lifelong dream of his to play for the Bulls, and he thanked Chicago fans on Twitter on Sunday night.

At the Cavs’ media day on Monday, LeBron James said he would love for Wade to come to Cleveland. James and Wade are close friends, having played on the Heat together from 2010 to 2014.

“I would love to have D-Wade a part of this team,” James said. “I think he brings another championship DNA, championship pedigree. He brings another playmaker to the team who can get guys involved, and make plays, and also just has a great basketball mind.

“I think it would be great to have him here. … I’ve talked to D-Wade throughout the whole summer, and I probably will reach out to him as well, but it’s really not up to me. It’s up to D-Wade if he can clear waivers and then it’s up to our front office. But I hope that we can bring him here. I would love to have him.”

Wade is also close friends with Carmelo Anthony, whom the New York Knicks announced on Monday was traded to the Thunder for center Enes Kanter, forward Doug McDermott and the Bulls’ 2018 second-round draft pick.

According to CBS Sports, Wade gave up approximately $10 million of the $23.8 million he was owed next season as part of the buyout with the Bulls. He averaged 18.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 60 games with the team last season.

ESPN reported that of all the teams targeting Wade, Miami has the most to offer: the Heat could offer up to $4.2 million, the Spurs have $3.3 million, and the Cavs have $2.5 million. The Thunder could offer only the minimum salary, which is $2.3 million.

CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 08: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Chicago Bulls tries to get off a shot after being fouled by Dewayne Dedmon #3 of the San Antonio Spurs at the United Center on December 8, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)