Dwyane Wade
Warning: this is an unpopular take. I actually blame Dwyane Wade himself. But I use blame mildly, because I’m not really angry. Just, confused.
This wasn’t about the money. Because at the end of the day, what’s $7 million?
It also wasn’t about the length of the deal. The Chicago Bulls didn’t offer him three years, like he apparently wanted. They gave him a two-year deal, just like what the Heat had on the table.
So what did it come down to?
Clearly, something went left between Wade and the front office. Because let’s be real, why else leave? It wasn’t the appeal of the Bulls, that’s for sure.
Wade was, and really still is, the definition of a Heat Lifer. He was the face of the franchise; beloved by just about everyone, from management, to teammates, to fans.
Some are saying it has to do with respect. Like the fact that Wade has never been the highest paid player on the team. But when it’s all said and done, isn’t that his agent’s fault? Can’t he blame LeBron James and Chris Bosh for that? I fail to see how that’s Pat Riley’s fault.
I don’t know what Wade is thinking. At all. And because of that, I blame him.
Prior to last night, the last time he mentioned his plans for the future, he had us all believing it was a no-brainer: he would come back to Miami and finish his career out there.
And then, in a blink of an eye, he was seemingly considering anywhere but South Beach.
Maybe I’m wrong and he doesn’t owe us an explanation. But until I hear his side of the story…the fall-out, his decision to leave, the fact that he’s now a Bull, that’s all on him.
Regardless, here is to Wade, for giving Heat Nation countless memories to look back on. You will be missed, but we wish you nothing but the best moving forward. And you better believe I’ll stop by the United Center to see you play. – Allana Tachauer
Next: Pat Riley