As one hometown hero leaves, another returns. Such is the case for the Chicago Bulls. After trading the former MVP, Derrick Rose, to New York, the Bulls have signed local born Dwayne Wade to a 2 year deal worth $47 million. Wade left an offer on the table from the Miami Heat for $40 million over two years. Wade, who had spent all of his 13 year career in Miami, will join a different looking Bulls team than years past. Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose, both will play the next season in the big apple, while Bulls management has signed former Sacramento King, Rajon Rondo to a 2 year $28 million dollar deal.
Wade announced his decision in a letter to the Associated Press, in which he wrote directly to the city of Miami. Wade expressed gratitude from the Heat organization, specifically, Pat Riley, Erik Spoelstra, and the Arison family, owner of the Miami-based franchise. He continued to thank the community of Miami for their support and love for the team.
Wade leaves Miami as the all time leader in seven statistical categories including assists, steals and field goals. He also won 5 conference championships, and brought three NBA titles in 2006, 2012 and 2013, with 2006 being the first championship in the franchise’s history.
The Bulls hope that this nucleus of Rondo, Wade and star Jimmy Butler will be enough to help second year coach Fred Hoiberg bounce back from a mediocre rookie season. The Bulls finished 42-40 and missed the playoffs for first time in 8 season. Will all three able to coexist and work together to form a legitimate threat in the East? Or will the three individual superstars implode due to their heavy shooting and need for touches under an inexperienced head coach? We will have to wait until October to find out, but it should be interesting to say the least.
To read the transcript of Wade’s letter, ESPN has copy in full right here.
