“Miami dared a very proud man to go home, and that man’s best friend [LeBron James] just won a title by going home”, said a source close to the process, speaking to ESPN. In past stops, Rondo has bristled at coaches who were heavily involved in play-calling.
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He may have lost weight and agonized about his decision, yet Wade does seem at peace with his choice and is looking forward to playing for his hometown Bulls.
There is history to prove that Rondo can make this work.
The 12-time All-Star now joins Rajon Rondo and Jimmy Butler to form a rather interesting trio in Chicago.
In a way, Wade fills a need for the Bulls and their fans. All three players rebound the ball well for guards, so whatever bigs they play with will benefit from these three helping dominate the glass.
On Wednesday, however, the homecoming happened as Wade agreed to a two-year, $47.5 million deal with the Bulls to return to his home city.
Then again, at least it’s different.
“Last night was a long, long night for me”, Wade told Ripa.
With Whiteside and McGruder signed, the Heat has nine players under contract for next season. “Growing up in Robbins, Ill., I never dreamed that an National Basketball Association career could have even been possible and that one day I would wear a Chicago Bulls jersey”, said Wade.
“Thank you for taking care of my family and my team over the years”, Wade wrote in the staff letter.
By the Chicago Tribune’s headline reading “Plan A (ARP)”, it is making fun of all the people who believe that Wade’s impending signing was a fantastic move for the Chicago Bulls.
While the Heat has lined up “a series of activities” meant to recognize the future Hall of Famer’s contributions (three championships, five trips to the Finals), all team stores will be selling Wade merchandise at $13 a pop. It’s meant to honor the 13 years Wade spent with the franchise.
The Bulls also figure to have the cap space to sign a star next summer in what could be a loaded class with stars such as Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook and Blake Griffin.
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After signing a new three-year deal worth $15 million last offseason, Dunleavy was injured for much of 2015-16 and appeared in only 31 games. I had so many unbelievable teammates along the way. “Just trying to mesh together and try to make sure we are doing the best thing for the team”. With Bosh’s max contract still on Miami’s books, Wade was not the team’s highest-paid player.
