As expected, Wade opts in for second season with Chicago Bulls
Dwyane Wade has informed the Chicago Bulls that he will return next season, a team source confirmed, accepting the second-year option on his contract worth $23.8 million.
Considering the dollars involved, this was no surprise. Wade was expected to come back for a second season in his hometown of Chicago. It is interesting that he made the decision while Jimmy Butler's future with the Bulls is still in limbo.
Rumors continued to swirl about the Bulls looking at potential Butler trades with Cleveland or Boston. The Bulls are looking to get a high draft pick in return. The Celtics have the No. 3 selection, while the Cavaliers are reportedly trying to work out a three-way deal with Phoenix, which has the No. 4 pick.
The Bulls could trade Wade during the season, but it won't be easy to move his salary unless they can find a team interested in dumping a big contract.
Wade addressed Butler's future the day after the Bulls' season ended with a first-round playoff loss to Boston.
"Jimmy is, you know, a huge component in me being here," Wade said April 29 at the Advocate Center. "Everyone knows that Jimmy's my guy, and I'm here because of our conversation (last summer)."
Wade, 35, jumped to the Bulls as a free agent after 13 seasons and three championships in Miami. It was a homecoming, since Wade grew up in the Southwest suburbs and attended Richards High School in Oak Lawn.
Wade has been on vacation in Florence, Italy this week. He made an appearance on "Live with Kelly and Ryan" on Monday to promote his fashion line, but that show was clearly taped on a different date.
"Of course, I will be 36 next year," Wade said in April. "You definitely want your talents to be used where you can get the most out of it on a nightly basis as much as you can.
"I have a great luxury. I don't need to ring chase, but I can. It's a great luxury to have if I want to do. Or I can be a part of passing down my knowledge to younger players. It's either way."
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