Wade says Pat Riley never called him during free agency

MIAMI - Dwyane Wade says his decision to leave the Miami Heat for the Chicago Bulls was still ''surreal'' Thursday morning, when he appeared as the guest-host of ''Live with Kelly'' alongside Kelly Ripa.

More surprisingly, Wade said Heat president Pat Riley never called him during the drawn out process.

Wade made the TV appearance in New York. He accepted the invitation to guest-host Thursday's show weeks ago.

Wade decided Wednesday night to accept a two-year contract offer from the Bulls and return to his hometown. He thanked Heat fans in his opening remarks on the show, says he hadn't slept in days while deliberating, and even lost 5 to 10 pounds because he hadn't been able to eat.

Leading up to Wade's decision, reports emerged that the relationship between he and the Heat had become strained.

Wade says he would consider doing some on-screen work after his playing career ends, telling The Associated Press that was one of the reasons he accepted the hosting chance.