Wade: Chicago homecoming bigger than basketball

Having cemented his legacy through 13 seasons with the Miami Heat, shooting guard Dwyane Wade has nothing left to accomplish on the court.

So when Wade signed with the Chicago Bulls, it wasn't just about salaries, or living out a childhood dream - it wasn't even about basketball.

"My purpose for being back in the city is bigger than basketball - basketball is a big part of it of course, it's what I do for a living," Wade told ABC's "Good Morning America".

"But I think my purpose at the end of the day hopefully is to come to Chicago and be a part, be a voice that can help bring people together."

Wade was speaking to the senseless violence that plagues Chicago, which hit close to home last week when his cousin, Nykea Aldridgem, was slain. Authorities say Aldridge was pushing her baby in a stroller at 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 26 when she was caught with stray bullets.

Two men, brothers Darwin and Derren Sorells, have been charged with first-degree murder.

The night before, Wade participated in a gun violence panel, hosted by The Undefeated.

According to ESPN, over 2,700 people have been shot in Chicago this year. As of Friday, there have been 449 murders, which puts the Windy City on pace for its deadliest year in nearly two decades.

Wade, who grew up on the South Side of Chicago, aims to affect change with his platform.

"Now I'm back in the city of Chicago - I'm back for a reason," Wade said. "I played 13 years in Miami. Now I'm back in the city, let me see what I can do as one person to help lend my voice and help shed light on the tragedy that's going on and find a solution to start the process of making change."