Ranking potential landing spots for Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Wade fulfilled his lifelong dream of playing for his hometown Chicago Bulls, but after just one turbulent season, the 36-year-old has awoken to a world of endless possibilities following a reported buyout.
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In his worst statistical year since his rookie campaign, Wade still mustered averages of 18.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.4 steals, so it's not as though he's running on empty.
Of the teams reportedly on his radar, here's a look at where the veteran guard is most likely to end up:
4. San Antonio Spurs
Tony Parker is two months ahead of schedule in his recovery from a torn quadriceps tendon, but will need another month or two to strengthen his leg for active competition.
Head coach Gregg Popovich could use a playmaker like Wade, who has experience running the point, albeit not a lot.
The Spurs have a knack for getting the best out of everyone who walks through their doors, but the two sides aren't an ideal match, what with Wade's weak defense and 3-point shooting.
3. Miami Heat
Home is where the heart is, and South Beach is certainly that to Wade, even though he didn't leave the Heat on the best of terms with president Pat Riley.
Related - Watch: Riley heaps praise on Wade, wife after Heat return question
A reunion with the franchise he brought prestige to would undoubtedly be a feel-good story, and a number of Miami players have openly expressed their desire to see him return, including Hassan Whiteside and Dion Waiters.
The Heat are picking up steam, and can offer more money than any other suitor. Wade's presence doesn't catapult them to title contention, unfortunately, and, entering his 15th season, that's probably a dealbreaker.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City is laying it all on the line in 2017-18, having assembled a three-man core of reigning MVP Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and Carmelo Anthony to pose the champion Golden State Warriors' biggest threat.
Westbrook has yet to ink an extension, though, while George (UFA) and Anthony (ETO) could both be packing their bags a year from now. If the Thunder truly are committed to getting the most value with that star-studded trio, adding a proven winner like Wade to the mix could go a long way.
It's not certain that putting a fourth high-octane scorer with three others would pay dividends, but it's worth a shot, and against the powerhouse Warriors, you have to take it.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
Ding, ding, ding!
The opportunity to reunite with his former Heat running mate LeBron James, stay in the wide-open East, and vie for his fourth NBA championship is just too enticing to pass up.
The only downside for Cleveland here is falling into a deeper hole financially, because while they have $2.5 million to throw at Wade, it would cost the team more than four times as much ($10.5 million) with the luxury tax. There's also the matter of trading or waiving one of their existing guaranteed contracts to create a roster spot.
J.R. Smith is no model of consistency, so if coach Tyronn Lue tossed Wade in as the new starting two-guard, it would be a relatively smooth transition next to James. At the very least, if he can buy into a lesser role, Wade could head a revamped second unit that was third from the bottom in scoring.
(Photos Courtesy: Action Images)