Dwyane Wade Sticks with the Miami Heat
Dwyane Wade is sticking with the Miami Heat, after tiptoeing around the idea of leaving. After being a free agent for a few days, Wade decided to return to the Heat, for a $20 million one-year contract.
"I am extremely proud of my personal contributions in helping to build the HEAT franchise and for bringing three NBA championship wins to our great city," the 33-year-old shooting guard said in a statement. "For my entire NBA career, Miami has always been my city and my home. I'm overwhelmed with the love and support the Miami community have consistently shown me and my family throughout the years.”
The Midwest native wasn’t feeling the love when he initially decided to opt out his contract, until a talk with CEO Nick Arison, and managing partner Micky Arison, changed his mind. “Sitting down with Nick, sitting down with Micky and having conversations with them that I've never had, that was big for me," said Wade. “I’ve never had a business conversation with one of them. ... They got to show me how much they really wanted me to be here, how important it was for them that I continue to wear one jersey."
Wade is easily the most notable face on the Heat right now, averaging, 25.1 points last season, to take the third best slot in the Eastern Conference. But he accepted the $20 million deal because it was the “best” for himself and his family. "A one-year deal for $20 million, I could never look at that and roll my eyes," he added. "I am from Robbins, Illinois. Look at what I've been through in my life."
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(Photo: Jason Miller/Getty Images)
