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Dwyane Wade thanks Miami fans with giant billboard

Mike Ryan/Twitter

For the first time since 2002, the Miami Heat will open their regular season without Dwyane Wade on the roster, after the 34-year-old signed a two-year, $47.5-million contract with the Chicago Bulls this summer.

Undoubtedly the most influential player in franchise history, Wade thanked his South Florida fans by taking out a billboard featuring his likeness and signature at Interstates 95 and 395 that says "Thank You Miami."

Wade was selected fifth overall by the franchise during the 2003 NBA Draft, spending the next 13 seasons capturing three championships, making 12 All-Star teams, and being named to two All-NBA first teams.

Once negotiations with Heat management fell apart, he elected to take his talents home to the Windy City.

Related: Riley 'floored' by Wade's decision to leave Heat: 'We will miss him'

The Bulls will visit the American Airlines Arena on Nov. 10 to take on Miami in Wade's only visit back to South Beach this season.

- With h/t to the Sun Sentinal's Ira Winderman

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