Dwyane Wade is a Chicago Bull.
The likelihood of that statement being true appeared to be much greater in 2010, when Wade first entertained the thought of leaving Miami for his hometown, and sat in multi-hour meetings with Bulls brass discussing long-term, lucrative-as-f*ck deals during the July free agency period. However, late last night, the 13-year NBA veteran informed the Bulls that he’d be donning black and red in 2016-2017, but South Beach would no longer be his residence.
Much will be written about Pat Riley’s involvement in Wade’s departure in the future, and it’ll be interesting to see how he’s painted. Some might say that his decision to prioritize–or at least give off the impression that he’s prioritizing–Kevin Durant and Hassan Whiteside over getting Wade the deal he deserves was enough to make the Marquette U. alum pack up and leave. Some might say that the work Riley’s done over the years to build a team around Wade should have been enough for Wade to re-sign with the team and put his trust in its front office.
For now, less than 24 hours after the news broke, we’ll just have Riley’s text message statement to lament over, which he sent to Miami Heat super beat writer Dan LeBatard, which LeBatard in-turn published to the Miami Herald.
Riley was too raw to talk about it Wednesday night, but I asked him if he wanted to say anything about how he was feeling, and this is what he wrote by text:
“SADDDDDDD!!!! SO saddddddd! I will never forget the sixth game in Dallas in 2006. DW rebounded the ball, and threw it to the heavens and the Heat universe was perfect for that moment. Our first world championship. Our universe is not perfect today. It will be fraught with anger, judgment, blame instead of THANK YOU!!! Ten years ago. Ten years older. Ten years wiser. Ten years changed. All of us. Dwyane had a choice, and he made it. He went home. Bad, bad summer for us. But there will be another 10 years, and it will be someone or something else in 2026. Move on with no blood or tears. Just thanks. I truly loved Dwyane, but families grow, change and get on with another life. He will always be a part of us. ALWAYS! And no more bruises and enough fighting. Let’s just fly above it if we can and never forget. I feel his pain and pride for what pushed him over the ledge. Been there. Forever, for always, your coach I will be. FOREVER!”
It isn’t quite the response OKC Thunder GM Sam Presti had when he was forced to bid Kevin Durant farewell, but it’s safe to say #3 will be sorely missed in Florida.
