Dwyane Wade is officially a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and that means it’s time for Wade to say goodbye to Chicago. The guard cleared waivers at 5 p.m. on Wednesday and a 1-year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers was quickly reported that evening.
Shortly after the transaction, Wade posted a three-paragraph note about the decision to leave Chicago and his joining LeBron James in Cleveland to try and win a third championship with his “brother.”
Wade said that he and the Bulls were going in “different direction” and that playing for a rebuilding team isn’t right for him at this point in his career.
#THELAND pic.twitter.com/1h6Q0KSC4c
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) September 27, 2017
“I’ve always dreamed of playing for the Chicago Bulls and I feel so fortunate to have fulfilled my dream this past year,” Wade said. He pointed out seeing his mom cheer for him on the sideline as a Bull and said he was proud of his time there and in the community, but that it was time to move on as the franchise rebuilds.
The team is now heading in a different direction, which has made me reevaluate where I need to be in this phase of my career. Being a part of a team that is in the process of rebuilding doesn’t align with where I want to be right now no matter how difficult that decision may be.
A reunion with LeBron is the big narrative draw for Wade heading to Cleveland, but he seems confident its the guard at this point in his career.
There’s no better place to be right now to continue to play and compete at the highest level. Cleveland believes in my talents and what I can bring to a championship contender both as a player and leader. I look forward to reuniting and playing alongside my brother LeBron. We’ve already won two championships together and I hope we win a third.
It’s good times and high hopes in Cleveland right now, and everyone’s excited. What’s left in Cleveland, however, is a much darker story a few Great Lakes over.
