The fate of Jimmy Butler remains unclear as the NBA Draft grows near, but at least one Chicago Bulls star will return this fall. Butler’s trade rumors continue to swirl, but on Tuesday Dwyane Wade confirmed that he will pick up his player option for 2017 and return to the Bulls.
Wade’s decision to stay in Chicago was first reported amid rumors that the Cavaliers would like to acquire Butler from the Bulls. With all the uncertainty surrounding that some found it strange that Wade would commit to a Chicago team that may not be as competitive in the East next season. But Wade didn’t seem too concerned about that.
Wade was asked by David Aldridge about picking up his player option despite what might be a rebuild looming for the Bulls, and his answer didn’t disappoint.
https://twitter.com/daldridgetnt/status/877370312706461696
He makes a good point: it’s a lot of money for a 35-year-old to make. Though Wade later took to Twitter to throw some shade at some folks who may think the 35-year-old may be past his prime.
18.3 points a game in 29mins on 43% shooting at 35 years old. if I'm 25 with the same numbers I'm getting 150 million 😂 #Fading #petty
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) June 21, 2017
But this isn’t about his value on the open market or his statistical usefulness on the court. Wade staying in Chicago regardless of who is on the roster this fall is an example of a player bucking what’s becoming a major narrative in the league these days: players making decisions not based on money, but in hopes to assemble teams that can compete with the Warriors and Cavaliers come June. For Wade, that doesn’t appear to be what’s on his mind with his deal. Though it seems like Butler may stay in Chicago after all, so maybe Wade knows something we don’t.
