Dwayne Wade is coming back to play for the Miami Heat, and team president Pat Riley is thrilled to have his former franchise player back in the fold.
Wade was part of the Cavaliers’ smallest trade of the day, which led to the team flipping the veteran guard to the organization that drafted him in exchange for a second-round draft pick.
The move was quickly endorsed by LeBron James and Wade’s wife, Gabrielle Union. And it truly seems like everyone involved is happy about Wade heading back to South Beach.
Riley spoke to the media on Thursday following a trade deadline that saw the Heat not trade away Hassan Whiteside and, instead, bring back Wade, who won three titles with the team in 2006, 2012 and 2013.
Riley on trade deadline, "I think this is one of the best for me, personally." Riley says Wade trade will help Heat "competitively."
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) February 8, 2018
The Heat later announced that Wade is expected to play in Miami on Friday, which means a quick reunion for Wade, the Heat and the team’s fans.
https://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT/status/961724707803484161
Riley stressed there’s “no bitterness” between Wade and the Heat and called it a “beautiful day” because of the opportunity to trade for the player Miami drafted out of Marquette in 2003.
https://twitter.com/IraHeatBeat/status/961723032871063552
There is one condition, though: Riley says Wade needs to eat better.
Pat Riley on Wade: "After his last two stops he might not be in Miami Heat condition. I told him, 'You just ate your last meal with pancakes and syrup and strawberries. You're back on veggies."
— gregcote (@gregcote) February 8, 2018
Though it’s been two years since he was last in a Heat uniform, most people would associated Wade with the organization. Now, he’ll get the chance to spend some more time with Miami.
