Report: Heat would sign Wade if he accepted bench role, $4.3M exception
Dwyane Wade suited up for 855 games over 13 seasons with the Miami Heat, coming off the bench on just 10 occasions.
Should the Chicago Bulls buy the 35-year-old out of the $23.8 million remaining on his contract, the Heat would be interested in bringing him back to South Beach, but only if he agrees to a bench role, according to the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson.
Miami would also reportedly want its former star to play for the $4.3-million exception.
The team's backcourt is manned by the tandem of Goran Dragic and Dion Waiters, who inked a four-year, $52-million contract this offseason. Wade played 83 percent of his minutes with the Heat at shooting guard, but with Miami having committed to Waiters, it would be difficult to justify sending him to the second unit and handing his spot to Wade.
The Heat and Los Angeles Lakers both reportedly appeal to Wade as possible destinations if he departs the Windy City. However, a move to the Cleveland Cavaliers and a reunion with LeBron James continues to be the more likely outcome.
Wade and the Bulls haven't discussed a buyout since Jimmy Butler was moved to the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the three-time champion intends to report to training camp Sept. 25 before eventually discussing the direction he and the franchise are headed.
Wade is Miami's all-time leader in games played (855), points (20,221), made free throws (5,185), and assists (4,944).