NBA Rumors: Despite an up-and-down first season with the Chicago Bulls, Dwyane Wade will have a few options this summer
Dwyane Wade, as he’s always wanted it, will be able to dictate his future this summer. After his 14th season in the NBA, and his first with the Chicago Bulls, Wade will have more than a few options this summer.
And that’s exactly the way he likes it.
Wade spurned the Miami Heat last summer to join his hometown Bulls. Although, after signing a two-year deal last summer, he now holds the opportunity to opt out and hit the free agent market if he so chooses too.
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However, if he elects to go down that path, he’s going to have to leave $24-plus million on the table. The big problem with that is the likelihood of him making that type of dough on the open market, even with the rising cap, is small.
Now, will Wade opt-in to that big number, or will he ring chase and sign a smaller deal with a contender? Or, and probably the least likely of his options, would he retire?
In his words, he’s going to leave his options open. For now.
"[via ESPN]“There’s so many different variables that come into play, especially for me at this point in my career,” Wade said after his exit meeting with the Bulls’ front office. “Like I said, 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. Whatever I decide, I’m going to embrace whatever role I have on a team."
Wade averaged 18 points, five rebounds and three assists this season with the Bulls. Although, he shot a career-low 43 percent from the field this season.
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In a way, though, this decision doesn’t just solely lie on Wade. You have to believe that what the Bulls elect to do this summer will impact Wade’s situation one way or another. For example, if Chicago decides to move Jimmy Butler and blow it all up, there’s probably no chance that Wade decides to opt-in.
At the same rate, I’m pretty sure the Bulls would like to know what Wade intends to do too. This could, in turn, transform into a “chicken or the egg” type of scenario. What will come first – a Wade or Bulls’ decision – we just don’t know.