The Miami Heat shock the entirety of the league, trade for Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Wade is back with the Miami Heat.
So much for this trade deadline being a quiet one.
Despite the Miami Heat staying out of most trade rumors leading up to the February 8 deadline, they shocked the entirety of the league Thursday, when they traded for Dwyane Wade.
No, this is not a drill.
The former face of the franchise is back in South Florida, after signing with the Chicago Bulls in 2016, and then heading to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017. And, for little to nothing.
Miami will send a heavily protected second-round pick to Cleveland for Wade, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2018
While the superstar has been vocal about eventually wanting to return to Miami, it’s safe to say no one saw it happening so soon. Including guys like Hassan Whiteside.
Hassan Whiteside was just asked about Dwyane Wade returning to the Heat. Whiteside: “Wait, are you for real? Are you joking?”
— Anthony Chiang (@Anthony_Chiang) February 8, 2018
He wasn’t the only one who found out from the media, either. Both Goran Dragic and Tyler Johnson were informed as they were walking off the practice court, early Thursday afternoon.
While Dragic spoke about the team needing him now more than ever, Johnson touched upon how impactful he will be as a leader, alongside Udonis Haslem.
"“[Haslem] finally has another voice with someone who has won and played at the highest level. This is his franchise. Bringing him back is going to rejuvenate a lot of things. I think it’s an uplifting thing.”"
To say the least.
Though the Heat were recently only half a game out of the third spot in the Eastern Conference, they have now fallen to seventh, thanks to a five-game losing streak. They have also been unable to shake the injury bug, with both Wayne Ellington and Kelly Olynyk currently nursing shoulder problems.
So while Wade’s best days may be behind him, there’s no doubt he’ll bring something much needed to the table, in whatever role he fills with the Heat.
Trading for Wade wasn’t Miami’s only move though.
Earlier in the day, it was reported that Luke Babbitt would be coming back, in exchange for Okaro White. Unfortunately for White however, the Atlanta Hawks then announced they would be waiving the forward.
Although the deadline has come and gone, the Heat still need to make room for Wade. Which many speculate will be by way of cutting A.J. Hammons or Jordan Mickey.
Next: Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo: Then, now, and what's to come
Dwyane Wade will officially rejoin the Miami Heat on Friday, February 9, when they take on the Milwaukee Bucks. Get ready, Heat Nation.