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The Cleveland Cavaliers made it official on Wednesday by announcing the signing of 12-time NBA All-Star Dwyane Wade to a one-year contract. Wade, 35, reached a buyout agreement with the rebuilding Chicago Bulls over the weekend and reports immediately began to come out that he was leaning toward rejoining close friend and former teammate LeBron James with the Cavaliers. The two stars won two NBA championships and went to four straight NBA Finals together with the Miami Heat.
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"We're extremely happy that Dwyane chose to join us in Cleveland and become a core part of helping us achieve success at the highest level," Cavaliers general manager Dana Altman said in a statement. "Dwyane has proven time and time again that he is a leader and competitor of the highest caliber and that his focus is centered on the ultimate goal.
"The deep commitment and consistency that he has shown to the game as a 12-time NBA All-Star and three-time NBA champion is remarkable and he's going to be a difference maker on the court and in the locker room with our team."
Wade averaged 18.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 60 games with his hometown Bulls last season but was not interested in being a part of a long rebuilding process.
"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 in a statement. "The team is now heading in a different direction, which has made me re-evaluate 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.
"In the hopes of pursuing a fourth championship, I've reached a deal with the Chicago Bulls and I am excited to share that I will be joining the Cleveland Cavaliers this season. 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."
Wade owns career averages of 23.3 points, 5.7 assists and 4.8 rebounds in 14 seasons with Miami and Chicago.
The overhauled roster in Cleveland includes Derrick Rose, Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Jose Calderon and Wade.
Kyrie Irving was dealt to the Boston Celtics in the trade that included Thomas and Crowder.
Wade was slated to make $23.8 million with the Bulls in 2017-18 but reached the buyout agreement with the Bulls after one season. Wade gave up approximately $8 million in salary in order to obtain the buyout and reportedly make $2.3 million on the one-year deal in Cleveland.
