After 13 years, the three time champion, 12-time All-star, and the 2006 NBA Finals MVP, Dwyane Wade will leave South Beach for his hometown team, the Chicago Bulls.
This news comes after Wade reportedly felt disrespected by Miami Heat’s front office. For the second year in a row, the team was unable to come to a contractual agreement with their franchise player. Therefore, Wade was forced to look elsewhere.
Social media erupted following the news of Wade’s departure. Many fans blamed Miami’s front office for failing to accommodate Wade; after all he had done for the team over the span of 13 years. Others packed up their Miami Heat gear all together.
According to ESPN, Wade is Miami’s career leader in games, minutes, field goals, field goal attempts, free throws, free throw attempts, assists, steals and points. Oddly enough, Wade had never been the team’s highest paid player.
In making what he called “an extremely emotional and tough decision,” Wade hung up his Heat jersey in preparation to head to the Midwest.
Dear Miami,
This has been an extremely emotional and tough decision to come to. After 13 years, I have decided to embark on a new journey with the Chicago Bulls. This was not an easy decision, but I feel I have made the right choice for myself and my family.
I started my NBA career with the Miami Heat in 2003 and it has been an honor to have played with them and help build a winning franchise with three NBA championships. I look back with pride and amazement at all we have accomplished together. I want to express my gratitude to the Arison family, Pat Riley, Coach Erik Spoelstra, the coaching staff, and the entire Miami Heat organization.
From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank the Miami community and especially #HEATNATION for all of their love and support over the years. It has been truly incredible. I am deeply moved and appreciative of the positive messages from my fans expressing that they want what’s best for me and I know they will support my decision. The memories including championship parades and five conference titles are incredible moments we have shared that will always remain close to my heart as I begin the next chapter of my life.
Growing up in Robbins, Ill., I never dreamed that an NBA career could have even been possible and that one day I would wear a Chicago Bulls jersey. Watching the Bulls growing up inspired me at an early age to pursue my dream of becoming a basketball player. My most treasured memories were watching my dad play basketball on the courts of Fermi Elementary School and developing my game at the Blue Island Recreation Center. I have never forgotten where I came from and I am thankful to have an opportunity to play for the team that first fueled my love of the game. Many of my family members still live in Chicago and I am excited to return home to a city very close to my heart.
I look forward to returning to my roots and to what lies ahead.
Much Love and Respect,
D. Wade
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