Dwyane Wade rumors: Option remains a mystery
By John Buhler
Chicago Bulls shooting guard Dwyane Wade could opt out of his two-year deal this summer to become a free agent. It seems that Wade will explore all options.
The Chicago Bulls saw their 2016-17 NBA season come to an end after a bad loss at home in Game 6 against the Boston Celtics. Chicago went all-in on high-priced veterans this offseason to get back into the Eastern Conference Playoffs. It worked, but now shooting guard Dwyane Wade could again be hitting free agency.
Wade signed a two-year deal with his hometown Bulls last summer, but he can opt out of the second year of his deal to explore his options. During his exit interview with the 2016-17 Bulls, it remains to be seen what Wade intends to do this summer. It seems that he will exhaust all of his options this summer.
Wade would stand to make $23.8 million in 2017-18 salary should he opt in to the second year of his current deal with the Bulls. However, there is a chance we could see Wade on his third team in as many seasons.
He said during his exit interview on Saturday, “There’s so many variables that come into play, especially for me at this point in my career. Like I said, I have a luxury. I don’t need to ring chase, but I can.”
Since the Bulls are probably not going to win the Larry O’Brien Trophy even next year, that was not the best comment for Wade to make. He already has three rings from his Hall of Fame worthy career as the cornerstone of the Miami Heat organization. Wade basically said that he can opt out to maybe play for a championship contender or stay with the Bulls and take his $23.8 million.
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Though he’s not wrong in his logic by any means, Wade would have been better served just to stay the antiquated, “I will explore all of my options.” By keeping it vague, he wouldn’t have to offend his hometown team by implying that the Bulls aren’t a championship contender heading into next season.