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If Dwyane Wade is Bought Out, What’s Next?

Ryan Murphy

by Ryan Murphy in NBA Basketball

Updated Jan 17, 2018 · 9:38 AM PST

[Public Domain]

Dwyane Wade’s career is fading about as fast as the Bulls’ 2018 playoff hopes. With both sides coming to the sad realization of one another’s decline, it’s reported the two are working towards a buyout. Wade chose to opt into the second year of his deal with the Bulls this summer — before the team traded Jimmy Butler — and is owed $23.8 million this season.

But with a rebuild on the Bulls’ agenda, even a worn down Wade could be a little too good for their liking and “negatively” impact their lottery odds and, in turn, their chances of landing the likes of Marvin Bagley III or Michael Porter Jr in next year’s draft.

Matt McEwan and I sat down to discuss what the 35-year-old has to offer, and where he should/will end up for the 2017-18 season.

Where Should Wade Go?

RM: Call me sentimental, but I’d love to see Wade wind up in Miami. Pat Riley has been notoriously tough on departing free agents in the past, but he’s gone on record as saying that he has nothing but love for Wade. Wade still has strong ties to the Miami community and is beloved by fans after bringing three championships to South Florida.

ODDS WADE PLAYS FOR MIAMI IN 2017-18: 11/2

MM: Call me dispassionate, but if the three-time NBA champion wants to make it four, he better follow in Kevin Durant’s footsteps. Considering he’s about to receive a year’s pay from the Bulls — just for agreeing to leave Chi-town — why not sign for the veteran minimum to win? Though Wade has no ties to Golden State, he was a teenager when Steve Kerr was winning championships with the Bulls. So there’s that …

ODDS WADE PLAYS FOR GOLDEN STATE IN 2017-18: 33/1

Where Will Wade Go?

RM: Wade to Cleveland is an absolute slam dunk. D-Wade was devastated when LeBron James bolted South Beach in 2014 and the pair have discussed the possibility of “reteaming” ever since. You can’t ignore their history, mutual admiration, and chemistry, and Cleveland gives Wade the best chance of returning to the Finals without selling his soul to the Warriors.

By Keith Allison (Flickr) CC License

MM: Cleveland may be a slam dunk, but I’m not sure Wade can get up that high anymore without hurting himself. He’s better off just laying the ball up in Houston. Plus, chasing after his boy LeBron is just a bad look.

ODDS WADE OPENS THE 2017-18 SEASON AS A CHICAGO BULL: 4/1

ODDS WADE OPENS THE 2017-18 WITH …

  • Cleveland Cavaliers: 13/7
  • Houston Rockets: 5/1
  • Miami Heat: 11/2
  • San Antonio Spurs: 7/1
  • Washington Wizards: 12/1
  • FIELD: 7/1

What To Expect From Wade in 2017-18

RM: Let’s start with what you shouldn’t expect: wild forays to the rim, lights-out shooting from three, and breathtaking displays of athleticism. Wade will turn 36 in January and has more miles on his odometer than nearly any of his peers. Assuming Wade’s new team uses him in a reserve role, you can pencil him in for 16-17 points in 25 minutes per game.

OVER/UNDER WADE’S PPG IN 2017-18: 16.5

MM: I’ll start with what you should expect: wild forays to the locker room, lights-out shooting from within 12 feet, and breathtaking displays of pride. Wade has never played a full 82-game schedule in his career, and has averaged just over 61 games during his last six seasons. But don’t expect the 12-time All-Star to buy into the decline of his game; he’ll still be putting up shots like it’s 2008.

OVER/UNDER TOTAL GAMES PLAYED FOR WADE IN 2017-18: 65.5

How Will We Remember Wade’s Legacy?

RM: Regardless of where he ends up next, Wade will always be remembered as a winner. He led Marquette to the school’s first – and only – Conference USA championship, he helped Miami win three NBA titles, and he powered the Redeem Team to gold at the Beijing Olympics. He’s a top 50 player and a sure fire lock for the Hall of Fame.

ODDS WADE IS A FIRST-BALLOT HALL-OF-FAMER: 1/9

MM: This. (I’d give Shaq $20 if he could get that far off the floor right now.)

ODDS WADE WINS A FOURTH NBA CHAMPIONSHIP: 9/2

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