We’re not too sure that Dwyane Wade will even start the 2017-18 NBA season in a Chicago Bulls uniform. There’s also a reasonable chance that he will conclude the season with the team.
That’s pretty much the vibe Bulls president John Paxson and the organization is putting out leading up to the start of training camp in Chicago.
“Some dialogue is going on,” Paxson said, via The Chicago Tribune. “We understand where (Wade) is at this time of his career. We’re more than willing to work with him. But as I said when we had the press conference to introduce the new players after the draft, we have to always do what’s in our best interest.”
On one hand, Chicago has resorted to a complete rebuild after trading All-NBA performer Jimmy Butler to Minnesota and buying Rajon Rondo out of his contract this summer.
With Kris Dunn, Denzel Valentine, Zach LaVine, Jerian Grant and Cameron Payne out on the wing, Chicago might simply decide it makes sense to give the youngsters more play during what promises to be a season in which the team will not be contending for a playoff spot.
On the other hand, does it make sense to move on from a player that could act as a leader on an otherwise young team? That’s only magnified when we consider Wade would likely sign with either Cleveland or Miami should he be bought out. Why help Eastern Conference rivals?
Wade, 35, is coming off a 2016-17 camaign that saw him average 18.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. He would definitely be a valuable addition for any contending team around the NBA. Whether that comes to fruition remains to be seen.