Dwyane Wade is back to the role of a Miami Heat lifer

Dwyane Wade is back with the Miami Heat for good.

At 36, Dwyane Wade may not have too much left in his tank. But one thing is for sure, he’s going to remain with the Miami Heat until he retires.

Whenever that may be.

After the team’s Friday night win over the Milwaukee Bucks, the guard spoke to NBA TV’s Grant Hill about his return, and what his future will look like.

"“This is it for me guys. I’m [going to] stay here until I decide to hang it up. This is home. I’m so happy to be back.”"

Having spent a season with the Chicago Bulls, followed by a short stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Wade made his way back to South Florida last week, on the brink of the NBA trade deadline. With the Cavaliers essentially starting from scratch in the hopes of turning their year around, the Heat only had to give up a heavily protected second round 2024 pick.

And just like that, all was right again in Miami.

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Not just for the organization or fans either. Wade admitted that he never truly gave up feeling like he was a member of the Heat, despite not having played under head coach Erik Spoelstra since May 5, 2015.

"“I was telling somebody recently that I was in my kitchen in Cleveland and watching ESPN and something came up and it said Heat versus somebody and I said ‘We play?’ And [then] I’m like ‘That’s right I don’t play in Miami no more.’ So it’s like a thing — every time I see Heat in my mind it was always like ‘We.’”"

Now even though the superstar confirmed he plans on sticking around for the long haul, it’s still unclear how Miami will make that happen. Having been bought out by the Bulls, which allowed him to continue onto Cleveland, Wade will once again be a free agent this summer. While the Heat remain capped out for the time being.

However, president Pat Riley certainly still has some movable pieces under his belt, as well as an injury exception, courtesy of Dion Waiters being sidelined for the season.

Fans should rest assured though: Miami will figure out a way to keep their franchise face around. Between Riley and Wade putting their past differences behind them, and Riley recently stating he thinks the veteran has “a lot of gas left,” the duo will reach a happy medium.

Especially now that Wade seems to be comfortable in more of a backseat position.

"“I’ve adjusted to coming off [the bench]. For me, I like it. Right now, my career, with the time I’m at, and the point I’m at.”"

Next: Miami Heat's Wayne Ellington: Then, now and what's to come

Dwyane Wade may have taken a hiatus from Miami Heat Basketball, but it’s safe to say he’s back to fill the role of Heat lifer.

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