Dwyane Wade spoke highly about Miami Heat before being traded

Dwyane Wade still always had love for the Miami Heat.

Dwyane Wade never stopped seeing the Miami Heat in a positive light.

Although he took off for the Chicago Bulls and then the Cleveland Cavaliers, after a reported falling out with president Pat Riley, the former face of the franchise was always supportive of the team.

In fact, just last week, the guard took some time to speak on Miami.

"“This team plays hard… I’m impressed with the guys, J-Rich [Josh Richardson] and taking that step to the next level. Tyler [Johnson], playing amazing. I’m happy for those guys. But I expect it.”"

It’s true that at the time, the Heat were in better shape. Just barely trailing behind the Cavaliers, who held the third spot in the Eastern Conference. Goran Dragic had come off of being named the East’s Player of the Week, for the second time this season. Head coach Erik Spoelstra received attention from the league as well, earning East Coach of the Month honors.

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And yet, Wade still thought they were being overlooked. Especially Spoelstra’s accomplishments.

"“He never gets the credit. I’m not saying he’s looking for it. He didn’t get credit when we were winning championships and going to Finals. It’s not easy to have success in this league. Last year, everyone thought he should have been Coach of the Year for what he was able to do. For what they’re doing this year, he’s right back up there in that conversation.”"

Something that will probably only become more true, once the 36-year-old steps back onto the court in a Miami jersey.

Just a few hours before the 2018 NBA Trade Deadline hit, it was announced that Wade would be returning to South Florida. While the Heat would receive their former superstar, the Cleveland Cavaliers got a protected second-round pick back in return.

A reunion that much of Heat Nation had been counting on, but no one saw coming quite so soon.

Having averaged 11.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists a game in 23.2 minutes of play off the bench in Cleveland, there’s no doubt that Wade will help out the recently struggling Miami roster. Especially when it comes to closing out games, a responsibility that Dion Waiters had taken on, before having to have season-ending ankle surgery.

Next: The Miami Heat shock the entirety of the league, trade for Dwyane Wade

How successful this now revamped Miami Heat team will be, is still up in the air, but Dwyane Wade’s homecoming is certainly a win in itself.