Miami Heat president Pat Riley unveiled the commencement of a project to build an eight-foot-tall bronze statue to further honor Heat legend Dwyane Wade during a halftime ceremony in their 104-87 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday.

The Heat commissioned sculptors Omri Amrany and Oscar Leon to create the statue. Amrany has previously contributed to statues of other NBA legends, including Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki, Shaquille O’Neil and others.

“When we retired his jersey in February 2020, I said Dwyane was the face of this franchise forever and I meant it,” Riley said in his statement. “Dwayne’s legacy is a towering one not only for the Miami Heat but for Miami-Wade County. I can’t think of a better way to honor him than by memorializing that legacy.”

Wade, who was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in August 2023, spent 15 of his 16 years in the NBA in Miami. Some of his accomplishments include three NBA championships, one NBA Finals MVP, 13 all-star selections, multiple All-NBA first and second-team selections, 19 Player of the Week awards, six Player of the Month awards, a gold and bronze medals with team USA, one yearly Community Assist award and one Magic Johnson award.

In addition to all of his material success, Wade attributes a major portion of his growth as a person to the city of Miami.

“I was born and raised in Chicago, but this is where I grew up,” Wade said. “From 21 years old till 37, I grew up here. A lot of the fan base, they grew up with me. There’s no love like Miami love, and every time I come back here I feel that.”

The statue itself will be outside the Kaseya Center and open to the public in the fall of this year.

“I can’t wait for families… to come and have a moment of the culture that will be out front,” Wade said.

No one will ever wear the number three jersey for the Heat again. In the fall of 2024, Heat fans who come to the Kaseya Center will know why.

Retired Miami Heat superstar Dwyane Wade said in a recent interview that he and his family moved out of Florida in order to ensure the safety of his 15-year-old daughter, Zaya Wade. His daughter came out as transgender in 2020.

Wade commented on his move during an interview with Rachel Nichols on an episode of Headliners. Many believe that he was indirectly addressing a bill signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis last year which prohibits educators from instructing on sexual orientation or gender identity from kindergarten through the third grade. Opponents of the bill have called it the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, arguing that it promotes hatred toward marginalized groups within the state.

In addition to taxes and other reasons, Wade said that policies enacted and enforced by state politician against transgender people were a factor in his decision to relocate. Wade and his family now reside in California.

“That’s another reason why I don’t live in that state,” Wade told Nichols. “A lot of people don’t know that. I have to make decisions for my family, not just personal, individual decisions.”

Wade, a longtime star player for the Miami Heat, went on to say that adjusting to his daughter’s transition required effort on his and wife Gabrielle Union’s part to fully understand and support her. Wade’s ex-wife, Siohvaughn Funches-Wade, previously tried to prevent Zaya from receiving an updated birth certificate, but Wade maintained that it was best for his daughter.

“And so I don’t know any difference. And so yes, I had to educate myself and yes, I had to get a better understanding. And yes, I had to lose some friends along the process, but I never wavered on loving my kids and trying to find space to get the chance to understand them,” Wade said.

Former Miami Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade recently announced that he is supporting his 12-year-old daughter Zaya who is choosing to be identified as “she” after originally being born as Zion. He spoke with Ellen Degeneres on The Ellen Show on Tuesday opening up about his daughter’s decision.

Dwyane Wade responded to negative comments on Saturday regarding a recent family photo where his 12-year-old son Zion is seen with painted nails and what could be considered a “belly shirt.” Wade’s wife, Gabrielle Union-Wade, posted the photo on her Instagram that included the caption, “Grateful, Happy Thanksgiving good people.”

On Saturday, Wade tweeted, “I’ve seen some post-thanksgiving hate on social about my family photo. Stupidity is apart of this world we live in so I get it. But here’s the thing, I’ve been chosen to lead my family not y’all. So we will continue to be us and support each other with pride, love and a smile!”

Wade has not held back about his support for the LGBTQ community.  In June he posted a picture of Union and Zion at the Miami Beach Pride Parade with a caption that read, “We support each other with Pride.”

This hasn’t been the first time Wade and his family have faced backlash from internet trolls.  In October Wade posted a photo to his Instagram story that included his daughter Kaavia, Zion and Union with the caption “My Girls.”The criticism aimed at Wade came from social media users who claimed Wade was influencing his son in a negative way, and questioned why he said “My girls” when his son was in the photo.  Hundreds of Twitter followers came to his defense claiming that like everyone else, Wade deserves to raise his family the way he wants.

One lady even tweeted the photo asking her followers, “What y’all think about this?” Union came across it on her page and tweeted, “Looks like love to me. I truly hope that everyone gets the love, support and hugs they deserve. Also Kaav ain’t with the dumb [expletive]. Peace & Blessings good people.”

The Miami Heat take on the Philadelphia 76ers in their final home game of the 2018-2019 season on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. EST. While the Heat have a very slim chance of making the playoffs, the game will have an added meaning, being that it’s Dwyane Wade‘s last home game.

D-Wade Set To Play Final Home Game

The matchup features an exciting 76ers team led by youngsters Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and Jimmy Butler. They’ve got nothing to play for except to stop rust from appearing before the playoffs. After surpassing expectations and morphing into contenders last year, the team has a solid base to push for a championship but also an ever-shrinking window. Butler hits free agency this year along with Tobias Harris. Embiid, still plagued by injury concerns after a rocky first few years in the NBA, will be held out Tuesday night on precautionary measures.

That doesn’t mean that fans won’t be on their toes. Ticket of America’s Michael Lipman reported that tickets at the American Airlines Arena are selling for four times more than what they normally would. Fans are expected to be up and cheering each time 37-year-old Wade, who brought the city three championships, touches the ball.

Around the NBA and even outside it, respects to Wade are being paid. Here are some of the best tributes:

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW

Team LeBron beat out Team Giannis 178-164 in Sunday night’s NBA All-Star Game in Charlotte, North Carolina.  Five players scored over 20 points and two more scored 19. Giannis Antetokounmpo led all players with 38 points.

team LeBron Wins NBA All-Star Game

By halftime, Team Giannis led by 20 points and went into the locker room hoping to maintain their lead. It finally looked like hometown hero and Charlotte Hornets star Kemba Walker would get his first win against Lebron James in his 28th matchup. But after J. Cole’s halftime performance, the tide turned.

“We just started making shots,” Kevin Durant said about his team’s comeback.

Durant walked away with his second All-Star Game MVP, after he previously won it in 2012. Team Lebron would outscore Team Giannis 96-69 in the second half.

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW

While the game was a high-octane offensive battle, the highlights went viral. In the second quarter, Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry dribbled down the court against Durant. Faced with a seven-inch height difference, Curry passed the ball out. He slammed the ball against the court, sending it over an outstretched Durant and into the air. Then, Antetokounmpo slammed the alley-oop through the basket. The “Greek Freak” ran off down the court in disbelief. Both benches erupted.

Then, there was also the Dwyane Wade –Lebron alley-oops. The pair of dunks harkened back to their days as teammates on the Miami Heat. It was a happy ending for the two, who entered into the league in 2003 and won titles together in 2012 and 2013. The pair created the modern super-team with “the Heatles.”

Team Giannis took an early lead on the back of their captain. But still, they couldn’t hold off a late comeback by Team Lebron. The barrage of three-pointers was too much.

Below are highlights of Antetokounmpo, Durant, and the entire game:

With the removal of conference-based teams and the inclusion of Wade and Dirk Nowitzki, the NBA All-Star Game became something more than a meaningless matchup. It became a celebration of the game.

“The game is in great hands. It’s easy to walk away right now,” Wade said after the matchup.

Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry might be the most important homegrown talent on the NBA’s current superteam. However, he still knows Dwyane Wade was the first. He was reminded of that this weekend after his team barely pulled out a 120-118 win over Wade’s Miami Heat.

Curry Dishes On D-Wade

The two met up after the game to exchange jerseys. This has been a norm for Wade, this year being his farewell tour, so players have clamored to swap with him.

“It seems like he’s got a lot more in the tank,” Curry said after the swap. “That’s what I told him after the game. ‘Are you sure? I know you got a lot of stuff going on off the court with your family and stuff. Are you sure you don’t have a couple more years left in there?’ Obviously, with him going to every road arena one more time, it’s a different energy for sure.”

Though he only scored 10 points, Wade received a standing ovation at Oracle Arena. The Warriors even played a highlight video for a player that was never on their team or involved in its history. Still, Wade stood and waved to the crowd.

“Everywhere he’s gone, you watch on TV,” Curry said. “It’s a different energy when he gets the ball. You understand how important he’s been to the game throughout his career. No matter who you root for throughout the league, you respect greatness in terms of what he’s been able to do throughout his entire career. Tonight wasn’t a loud night, but he had some pretty influential plays.”

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW

Warrior star Kevin Durant, who lost to Wade in the 2012 finals with the Oklahoma City Thunder felt similarly. “I’m not surprised,” Durant said of Wade’s upcoming retirement. “I wouldn’t be surprised either way if he would have kept playing or if he would have retired. He’s done and experienced so much in this league, and he’s been really good as an older guy with all the younger guys as well. So I think he’s invested so much into basketball spiritually and physically that it’s just time to walk away and pursue what’s next in his life. As a hooper from day one, I can appreciate that about D-Wade, especially battling him in the Finals and throughout my whole career. It’s good to see guys go out the way they want to.”

After the game, Wade reflected on his last trip to Oracle Arena and his reception. “It was great, man,” he said. “It was amazing. They really put some thought into that. Afterward, I said to my teammates that it was dope. It was a great tribute. I appreciate Steve Kerr and the Golden State organization and the fans for the ovation. It was a fun environment to play in.”

The Miami Heat will host the Houston Rockets on Thursday night, and here is what you need to know.

Rockets Visit Heat On Dec. 20

Houston is hoping to earn a season-high sixth consecutive victory. The Rockets (16-14, 7th in Western Conference) are coming off a five-game win streak, including a 136-118 home triumph over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday. Houston scored a league-record 26 3-pointers in that contest. They have won 10 of 13 games when playing the second game of a back-to-back series. The team has also won five of their last eight meetings with Miami.

Meanwhile, the Heat (13-16, 10th in Eastern Conference) have boasted a strong defense in recent weeks, and have held opponents to 100 points or less in each of their last five victories. Miami is coming off two straight wins, including a 102-96 triumph over the Pelicans in New Orleans on Sunday.

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW

It’s also worth noting that the Heat won their last two matchups without Goran Dragic, who just had knee surgery and is expected to miss eight weeks. Dragic was sidelined for 12 of the Heat’s last 14 games because of his knee injury, and may not return until after the NBA All-Star Game in February.

Of these two teams, the Rockets are almost definitively better from the three-point line, although the Heat appear to be slight favorites for their home matchup against Houston. James Harden and Chris Paul have delivered outstanding performances for Houston recently. Reigning MVP Harden leads the Rockets in scoring (31.5 points per game) and assists (8.2 per game) and is averaging 5.8 rebounds.

Wednesday’s game will start at 8 p.m. EST and will air on TNT.

Prep the regional gifts, the ovations, and the jumbotron tributes: Dwyane Wade is coming back to South Beach for “one last dance” before he retires from basketball.

Dwyane Wade Makes Final Decision: One More Year With Heat

Wade announced via Twitter video Sunday night that he will return to the Miami Heat for the 2018-2019 season, and will join the team as they converge for training camp arrangments. He is expected to sign a $2.4 million, one-year deal with the team. He will retire as an icon of the Heat and of Miami, and the leader in points, assists, steals and games played.

SLIDESHOW: 30 Best Sports Instagrams! 

Teammates of the “Flash” expressed their excitement for a final season with their leader. “One last dance with my bro!” Said Center Hasaan Whiteside on an Instagram post. I’ve learned so much from him in the past few years. Excited to be playing with him for his last year!”

Shooting guard Dion Waiters had similar joy when envisioning playing with Wade, something that hasn’t been possible due to injury. “Can’t wait to play alongside of you!!!” Waiters gushes. “I can scratch that off the bucket list!!! One last ride let’s make it special big bro!!”

The Heat-lifer’s sixteenth and final NBA season was one that might not have come at all – Wade spent the summer playing a guessing game with Miami, ambivalently wavering on his decision to return or not. Before yesterday’s decision, it was a strong possibility that Wade would not have worn an NBA jersey again at all, mulling over the matter via cryptic social media posts and chats with Miami press. Things heated up when rumors of Wade signing with a team in China surfaced as a result of the Zhejiang Golden Bulls offering the guard a three-year, $25 million contract. This startled Miami fans that hoped to get one more glimpse of a legendary career in the NBA, as Wade might have opted to play overseas for the bigger contract.

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW

Tensions settled down when Manny Navaro of the Miami Herald spoke with Wade about China. “Heat only,” Wade assured. “If I play the game of basketball this year, it will be in a Miami uniform.” He’ll be in a Heat jersey, no doubt, while Miami and the entire NBA cheers him on the way out of a Hall-of-Fame career.

His farewell tour begins up the panhandle in Orlando on October 17.

Dwyane Wade surpassed legend Larry Bird on the list of the top scorers in NBA playoff history on Monday night.

Dwyane Wade Passes Larry Bird In Playoff Scoring

The 36-year-old guard passed Bird with his 16th point in the Miami Heat’s 113-103 victory over the 76ers in Philadelphia. At that moment, Wade recorded his 3,898th career postseason point, one more than the Boston Celtics Hall of Famer’s total. Wade now sits at 10th on the list, behind ninth-place Tony Parker (4,014 points).

SLIDESHOW: 30 Best Sports Instagrams!

Wade finished with 28 points in 26 minutes off the bench on Monday, after having played just 19 minutes in Game 1 on Saturday. He outscored the Sixers alone 21-20 over the last 15 minutes of the first half.

Here is the shot in the second quarter that put Miami up 52-40 and that brought 12-time All-Star Wade to 10th on the list:

Wade — who earlier this season returned to the Heat following a brief stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers — told ESPN he will decided after this season whether to return to Miami for one more season or retire.

“Just taking time to think, that’s all I’m doing,” Wade stated. “Taking time to think and looking at every angle and what’s the best situation for me to be in. That’s all. It’s a lot of different, it’s a lot of different things that come into play.”

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Wade made clear, however, that the Heat is the only team he would be willing to come back to play for, citing Vince Carter as one of the few examples of players who could return to play for virtually any NBA team.

The veteran guard recently had a long exchange with comedian Kevin Hart on Twitter.

Wade has also received strong support during the postseason from his wife, actress Gabrielle Union. 

The Heat and Sixers are now tied 1-1 in their first-round series. Game 3 will be played Thursday at 7pm EST in Miami.

Dwyane Wade has officially returned to Miami after being traded by the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday, and the announcement had a major effect on the Heat’s merchandise sales.

Dwyane Wade Trade to heat news

The 36-year-old guard rejoined the team he left less than two years ago in a deal that saw the Cavs get a protected 2024 second-round pick. Wade played his first 13 NBA seasons with the Heat.

“We feel that Dwyane can help our team in so many ways,” said Heat President Pat Riley. “It is a beautiful moment for us, for the city and for the fans. All of us embrace it in the manner that we want to win and that’s why we brought Dwyane back home. We look forward to having a great end of season run as we fight for the playoffs.”

Wade clearly seemed happy about his return to Miami, as did his wife, actress Gabrielle Union:

The veteran player’s return to Miami also had a jaw-dropping effect on the Heat’s merchandise sales. Following the announcement, ESPN’s Darren Rovell reported that after the new Wade jerseys went on sale at 5pm on Thursday, orders from more than 100 countries flooded the site in 15 hours. Even more amazingly, merchandise sales increased 8000 percent relative to the previous two days. Yes, not 8 or 80 percent — 8,000.

Wade reportedly found out rather late that he was being traded.

“About 11:45, I left my house, was heading into practice in Cleveland,” he said, via Dave Hyde of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. “About 12 o’clock, I got a call from my agent, ‘Call me 911.’ I haven’t got a lot of calls on trade deadline from my agent. So …”

This season, Wade has been averaging a career-low 11.2 points and playing about 23 minutes per game, so maybe he will click more with his former squad.

The Cavs (31-22) are third in the Eastern Conference, while the Heat (29-26) are seventh.

Wade’s trade came just hours before the NBA trade deadline (3 pm on Thursday), and Cleveland actually shipped out six veteran players, including All-Star guard Isaiah Thomas. 

WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 3: Dwyane Wade #9 of the Cleveland Cavaliers passes around Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 of the Washington Wizards in the first half at Capital One Arena on November 3, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Following a 117-115 home loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday, the Cleveland Cavaliers have become divided.

Dwyane Wade Cavs Comments news

Multiple Cavs bench players criticized their starting teammates for their poor performance on Sunday.

“It’s no secret we’re starting games off awful,” Dwyane Wade said after scoring a season-high 25 points as a reserve. “Terrible. And [Atlanta] got it going early, and the effort or the focus just wasn’t there to start off, and you try to battle back, you waste a lot of energy trying to come back from 16-18 down, and it’s tough nightly to do this. And we all know this. It’s no secret in this locker room, but our first unit, we got to start off better.”

The Cavaliers trailed 37-28 after the first quarter. Cleveland (4-6) has had a four-game losing streak this season and is in 12th place in the Eastern Conference. The Hawks (2-8) hold the worst record in the East. Atlanta’s only other victory this season came against the Dallas Mavericks in their opener.

“I want one time for the first unit to get on the second unit because we blew a lead,” Wade said with a chuckle. “I’m waiting for that day to happen.”

Wade also called out a fan on Twitter on Sunday after the latter believed a fake quote BleacherReport shared that Wade had reportedly said:

All five Cavs starters finished with negative plus-minus ratings against Atlanta.

Of all the starters, Kevin Love seemed to have the worst outing. He drew three fouls in the first half and became so upset that he ripped his jersey in half. Love then left the game in the third quarter with an illness, finishing with four points on 1-for-6 shooting and four rebounds. He was transported to the team’s clinic for evaluation and was released a few hours later.

Channing Frye — who replaced Love and compiled seven points and five rebounds — also sounded off against the starters.

“We got to play harder,” Frye said when asked about the slow starts. “We have to play harder, and I think we have to be more, more attentive to details, and I think we just have to have a better sense of urgency. … We suck right now.”

“No energy,” said LeBron James, who followed up his 57-point explosion against Washington with 26 points, 13 assists, two blocks and six turnovers against Atlanta. “The effort was pretty bad, and you turn the corner, but you can’t fix it in one game. This is something that has been going on for a while.”

James added, however, that the Cavs “don’t want to single anyone out,” but that everyone on the team needs to improve.

The Hawks were missing five rotation players Sunday due to injuries.

Nevertheless, Cleveland did outscore Atlanta off the bench, 64-26.

The Cavs next host Milwaukee on Tuesday night, while the Hawks will host Boston on Monday night.

WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 3: Dwyane Wade #9 of the Cleveland Cavaliers passes around Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 of the Washington Wizards in the first half at Capital One Arena on November 3, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

The Cleveland Cavaliers have announced the starting lineup for their regular season opener against the Boston Celtics next week, and it includes new signing Dwyane Wade.

Cavaliers Season Opener Roster News

The contest will be played at Quicken Loans Arena on Oct. 17. Also on the starting lineup are point guard Derrick Rose, small forward LeBron James, Jae Crowder and Kevin Love. Wade — a 12-time All-Star and three-time NBA champion who signed with the Cavs on Sept. 27 — will replace JR Smith at shooting guard.

Cleveland has lost all three of its preseason games thus far against Atlanta, Indiana and Washington. The Cavs — who lost to the Golden State Warriors in last year’s finals — next host the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night.

James has been sidelined since the second day of training camp with a sprained left ankle, although he is expected to rejoin the starting lineup for the final two preseason games against the Bulls and against the Orlando Magic on Friday.

“It’s been hard since LeBron’s been out, but just something we’re going to do to start the season and see how it works,” said coach Tyronn Lue. 

The Cavs’ starting lineup will probably change again once new signing Isaiah Thomas returns from a torn labrum in his right hip. According to ESPN, he is expected to return by late December.

The season opener will thus mark the first time James and Wade have played on the same team since their last year together with the Miami Heat in 2014, when the team fell to the Spurs in the NBA Finals in five games. The pair helped lead the Heat to four straight Finals and two NBA championships (2012, 2013).

Forward Jae Crowder — another new Cavs signing from the Celtics — recently said he has noticed a difference in culture between the two teams.

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)

Dwyane Wade is headed to Cleveland, according to several reports.

Dwayne Wade Bulls Buyout News

The 12-time NBA All-Star guard is leaving the Chicago Bulls after just one season and only needs to clear waivers on Wednesday in order to join the Cavaliers on a $2.3 million contract. Wade, 35, and the Bulls agreed to a buyout on Sunday.

Wade will now become teammates again with LeBron James. The pair played together on the Miami Heat from 2010 to 2014 and won two national championships during that stretch.

Wade — the 2006 NBA Finals MVP who played his first 13 seasons in Miami — joins a talented Cavs roster that also includes Kevin Love, JR Smith and Tristan Thompson. Cleveland will be missing newly-acquired All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas until at least January due to a hip injury.

The team will initially cut a non-guaranteed training camp invitee to make room for Wade on the 20-man training camp roster, a Cavs source told ESPN. It will need to make an additional move beyond that to make space for him on the 15-man regular-season roster.

Thompson said he believes Wade will be well-integrated into the team’s roster.

“He’s pretty familiar with most of the guys on our team, whether playing against or playing with,” said Thompson. “I think he’s going to jell pretty well. He’s a veteran. He’s always been a good locker room guy. We’ve never heard anything bad.

“It would be great for our team to have another championship-mentality player on our team. It’s just more pieces to the puzzle.”

Wade averaged 18 points for the Bulls last season. In 14 seasons, he has averaged 23.3 points, 5.7 assists and 4.8 rebounds a game. According to ESPN, he returned $8 million of his $23.8 million 2017-2018 salary to reach a buyout agreement with the Bulls.

The Cavaliers also signed former Bull Derrick Rose in July, after he spent just one season with the New York Knicks.

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)

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)

Dwyane Wade has spoken out about the feud between LeBron James and Charles Barkley and unsurprisingly, he has taken the side of James, his close friend and former Miami Heat teammate.

Dwyane Wade Backs LeBron In Feud With Charles Barkley

The skirmish began when TNT Inside the NBA analyst Barkley called James “whiny” for stating his Cleveland Cavaliers needed another playmaker to make a run for their second straight championship this year.

Following the Cavs’ loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, James fired back at Barkley, calling him a “hater.”

“I’m not going to let him disrespect my legacy like that,” James told ESPN. “I’m not the one who threw somebody through a window. I never spit on a kid. I never had unpaid debt in Las Vegas. I never said, ‘I’m not a role model.’ I never showed up to All-Star Weekend on Sunday because I was in Vegas all weekend partying.

“All I’ve done for my entire career is represent the NBA the right way. Fourteen years, never got in trouble. Respected the game. Print that,” James added.

James continued his diatribe against Barkley, recalling the memory of watching an NBA Finals game from 1993, when Barkleys’ Phoenix Suns played the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls.

“Go watch the ’93 Finals when John Paxson hit the shot,” James said. “Barkley and Jordan were laughing and joking with each other during one of the games while somebody’s shooting a free throw. In the Finals. But, oh, nobody were friends back then.”

During a sessions with reporters on Tuesday, Wade addressed the feud:

“Thank god he finally said something,” the 35-year-old Bulls guard said Tuesday, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune. “LeBron, a lot of guys take a lot of shots at him — for whatever reason. He just has kept his mouth closed and continued to focus on what he needs to. But it’s about time he said something, man. Guys ride him, especially ex-players. When you have a history, when you can go and Google your history, you better be a little careful with what you say.”

Wade continued:

“Sometimes, when guys get a microphone in front of their face, they just talk and talk and talk and forget about their history. We all make that mistake, but especially that guy on TV. He acting like he just walks on water. And I like the fact that LeBron called him out and told him about himself a little bit. Humble yourself.

“LeBron is who he is. We all have flaws. But when your flaws are a little bit more, you shuld shut up. I’m glad LJ finally said something and stood up for himself from that standpoint. He said there’s a new sheriff in town. So I’m excited to see what’s next.”

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)

Dwyane Wade scored 20 points and the Chicago Bulls gave the San Antonio Spurs their first road loss on Thursday night, a 95-91 defeat in Chicago.

Spurs Lose To Bulls 95-91 After Winning First 13 Road Games

What seemed to bother the Spurs more than dropping their first road game of the season after a 13-0 start, however, was their very slow start on Thursday.

San Antonio fell one win shy of matching the NBA’s best road start set by the Golden State Warriors last season. The Spurs trimmed an 18-point deficit midway through the third quarter to four in the final minutes, only to lose the contest.

”Streaks are a good sign when they’re positive and they’re a bad sign when they’re negative, but at the end of the day, it doesn’t give you anything else,” said Pau Gasol, the former Bull.

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich criticized his team for not putting in enough effort.

“I don’t remember playing tonight. No Knute Rockne speeches. It’s your job. If you’re a plumber and you don’t do your job, you don’t get any work,” Popovich said. “I don’t think a plumber needs a pep talk. A doctor botches operations, and he’s not a doctor anymore. If you’re a basketball player, you come ready. It’s called maturity. It’s your job.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGhyPs-b7c0

San Antonio only shot 40 percent in the game. Perhaps the team is still adjusting to no longer having Tim Duncan, who retired during the offseason, or to the set of new players complementing Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge.

“We played 24 minutes again, as we have for about the last 10 games,” Popovich added. “We go through the motions in the first half. I think we shot one free throw in the first half. We shot four or so the second half.

“That’s the disappointing part: We’re not a very consistent team, and we haven’t learned as a group that the game is 48 minutes. We also have some people playing very poorly.”You have to participate in your own recovery. Some players have to play better.”

This marks the second time this season Popovich has overtly lambasted his team’s play. Following a 96-91 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Nov. 21, the coach said his team’s performance was “pathetic,” and that the Mavericks deserved to win the game.

Leonard led the Spurs with 24 points, and Patty Mills added 16 points, sinking 4 of 6 three-pointers. Gasol contributed 13 points and 10 rebounds in his first game in Chicago since signing with San Antonio over the summer.

The Spurs’ previous loss came last season, when Oklahoma City eliminated them in the Western Conference semifinals.

 Jimmy Butler scored all of his 13 points for Chicago in the second half. Rajon Rondo added 12 points, nine assists and 10 rebounds. The Bulls got the win after losing three straight and six of nine.

 The Bulls have defeated two of the NBA’s top teams in the past week: the Spurs and the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers. However, they have also recently lost to Dallas, Denver and Detroit.

”It’s a long season,” Wade said. ”We have time to fix it. We could play with good teams in this league home or road, but we still have time to fix that. As long as we understand what we need to do, what we have 60 games left, whatever it is, we have a lot of games to fix that so hopefully we can.”

The Spurs next host the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night, when the Bulls host the Miami Heat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4i_fJNIOcBY

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)

The Chicago Bulls continued their dominant season start with an explosive 118-88 road victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night.

Bulls Continue Strong Start With 118-88 Thrashing Of Nets

The Bulls are now 3-0 this season, their first such start since the 1996-97 season, and it comes despite concerns that off-season changes like departure of Derrick Rose and arrival of Dwyane Wade might see the team take some time to adjust to their new roster.

Jimmy Butler led Chicago with 22 points, and six other Bulls players scored in double figures, including Wade, who scored 12 in his first road game with his new team.

“Our intensity out of the gate has been really good,” said coach Fred Hoiberg, whose Bulls scored 38 points in the opening quarter and never trailed after the opening three minutes.

Wade’s points included a slick crossover move on the Nets’ Bojan Bogdanovic in the fourth quarter that drew some appreciative gasps from the crowd.

“I always get great support when I come here,” Wade said. “The fans are amazing. It feels like home. I don’t know if they cheer like that for me at home when I got the ball. So it was great to be out there.”

Nikola Merotic recorded 16 points and 10 rebounds, Isaiah Canaan added 15 as the reserve duo combined to hit seven of Chicago’s 11 three-pointers. Taj Gibson had 14 points and 11 rebounds, Doug McDermott chipped in 12, while Rajon Rondo had 10.

Bogdanovic led Brooklyn with 15 points while Jeremy Lin added 14 and Brook Lopez had 13 in 22 minutes after resting Saturday.

Canaan substituted for the injured Michael Carter-Williams, who went down with a left knee issue and would not return. Canaan made a trio three-pointers and made all four of his shots for 13 second-quarter points in eight minutes as the Bulls gained a 65-44 halftime lead. It was the Bulls’ second straight game in which they led by 21 at halftime. Chicago also continues to lead the NBA in percentage of baskets with assists with 17 for 25 field goals in the first half and a 30-20 rebounding advantage.

Rondo had a mid-court steal against Lin for a score, and Butler was in position for a follow after Rondo fired 50 feet ahead to Wade for a shot that was blocked. Chicago extended their lead to 82-55 with Mirotic confident in his shots and then Gibson ended the quarter with a pair of tough moves inside for a 93-66 Bulls lead after three quarters.

Wade then drew a standing ovation and left with the starters and leading by 25 with seven minutes remaining.

The Bulls will next visit the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night, while the Nets (1-3) will host the Detroit Pistons that same night.

NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 31: Nikola Mirotic #44 of the Chicago Bulls shoots a jumper against Chris McCullough #1 of the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Barclays Center on October 31, 2016 in New York City.

Dwyane Wade scored 22 points in a successful Chicago debut, Jimmy Butler added 24 and the Bulls defeated the Boston Celtics 105-99 at home in their season opener Thursday night.

Dwyane Wade, Jimmy Butler Lead Bulls To 105-99 Win Over Celtics

Wade sunk the game-winning, 25-foot 3-pointer with 26.3 seconds remaining. Taj Gibson contributed 18 points and 10 rebounds, and the Bulls started off their season strong after missing the playoffs last year for the first time since 2008.

”To be able to make a shot like that and helps us get this win, it’s like the perfect storm,” Wade said.

Butler’s team-high 24 points included a career-high-tying four 3-pointers.

“It’s people’s will to win,” said Butler.”I’m not saying a bad thing about anybody from last year. I just think I study the game a lot and put in a lot of work. But [Rajon] Rondo studies the game a lot. Every time I’m in the gym, he’s in the gym. That lets me know these (expletives) are coming to war with you every day.

“When I hit that deck, Rondo was right there. I want to play with guys who are going to play hard, are going to fight. D-Wade, Rondo and everyone else around the locker room, their will to win is real.”

Butler referred to a mini-fight with fellow Marquette alum Jae Crowder in which Rondo joined the fray and those three plus Thomas drew technical fouls.

Isaiah Thomas led the Celtics with 25 points. Avery Bradley had 16, and Jae Crowder 14 points, but Boston came up short after opening their season with a victory over Brooklyn one night earlier.

”We lost the game in a fashion we didn’t want to lose,” Crowder said. ”I feel like we got punked all night.”

The Bulls rebuilt their roster during the offseason, releasing one hometown superstar and welcoming another when they traded Derrick Rose to the New York Knicks and signed Wade to a two-year deal worth approximately $47 million from the Miami Heat.

The three-time NBA champion and 12-time All-Star has made a strong start with the Bulls after 13 seasons in Miami. Wade hit 4 of 6 3-pointers in this game after making just 7 of 44 all of last season.

Rondo, signed by Chicago after a comeback season with Sacramento, added nine assists. Butler got seven rebounds, and the Bulls trounced the Celtics on the glass, 55-36.

The Bulls led 95-81 halfway through the fourth quarter after newcomer Michael Carter-Williams sank a 3 and a floater and Butler hit a floater of his own.

 The Celtics scored 11 in a row to stay in the game, a driving layup by Thomas cutting it to 95-92.

The Celtics will next visit the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday, while the Bulls will host the Indiana Pacers that same day.

 CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 27: Jimmy Butler #21 of the Chicago Bulls drives to the basket against Amir Johnson #90 of the Boston Celtics during the second half of a game at the United Center on October 27, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois.