The Chicago Bulls have fully entered rebuilding mode after trading Jimmy Butler to the Timberwolves for Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn, and a pick swap in this past draft. Chicago’s roster is depleted of quality veterans with one very notable exception.
Dwyane Wade opted in to his $24 million player option this summer, which came as little surprise considering the veteran shooting guard had sacrificed so much in the past with his salary in Miami and was not going to get near that much on a new deal. Wade was well within his right to opt in and the Bulls were the ones that gave him that option, but he certainly doesn’t fit in with what Chicago wants to do.
The Bulls are going to focus on developing young talent, trying to get more quality young talent (which is a kind way of saying tanking), and hoping Zach LaVine and Kris Dunn reach their full potential. Meanwhile, Wade would prefer to play for a contender next year, but doesn’t seem too willing to sacrifice money for that at this point — and why should he, considering he has three rings. So, he and the Bulls remain at a bit of an impasse, but that could come to an end soon.
ESPN’s Nick Freidell reports the Bulls and Wade are expected to come to an agreement on a buyout soon that would free the veteran star to pursue other options.
Dwyane Wade isn’t long for the organization’s future and is expected to reach a buyout agreement at some point in the next few months.
This comes as little surprise, but it will be most interesting to see whether Wade is willing to make any concessions in order to get bought out. Based on his past comments about opting in, it seems doubtful that he will, but that is probably why the process will take a “few months” as Friedell put it. The Bulls will do everything they can to save a bit on Wade’s buyout, but eventually, they’ll take care of it in order to ensure that he doesn’t ruin their chances at getting the best lottery odds possible.
