Reports out of Cleveland indicate that Dwyane Wade may have already made up his mind to team up with LeBron James and the Cavaliers.
Update: Dwyane Wade is nearing a commitment to to sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowksi, and could finalize a deal as soon as Wednesday once he clears waivers.
Shortly after agreeing to a buyout with the Chicago Bulls, Dwyane Wade may be ready to make a decision about where he’s going to play next. According to Cleveland.com’s Joe Vardon’s sources, Dwyane Wade is “leaning heavily” toward joining the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Wade will clear waivers Wednesday following the official buyout by the Bulls, and will be free to sign with any team. Earlier reports indicated that the Cavaliers, in addition to the Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder were on Wade’s short list.
At 35 years old, Wade is believed to be seeking another shot at a championship. If that’s the case, Cleveland is clearly his best option. He’d also be able to team up with his good friend and banana boat teammate LeBron James. The Cavaliers may also be able to offer the biggest role to Wade, who would most likely have to come off the bench in Miami, San Antonio or Oklahoma City.
Speaking of banana boats, the Thunder are a more intriguing option since they acquired Carmelo Anthony. The Spurs, meanwhile, are known for prolonging the careers of veterans and are a perennial contender.
With or without Wade, the Heat aren’t expected to make a run at the Eastern Conference championship, but it’s hard to ignore the history the two parties share. Wade spent the first 13 years of his career in Miami before a rocky breakup last summer. Wade has monitored the Heat since leaving, though, and I’d be shocked if he didn’t end of back with the team before his career is over.
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I just don’t think that time is now. After a disappointing season in Chicago, Wade wants to make one more run. The Cavaliers, with LeBron, is his best shot. As much as it will sting for Heat fans to see Wade in a Cavs uniform, it does seem to make the most sense.