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Dwyane Wade 'could tell' LeBron was leaving the Heat before finding out of decision

Bob Donnan / Reuters

Dwyane Wade and LeBron James have developed one of the most well-documented friendships in the NBA over the past four seasons.

So, it shouldn't come as any surprise that Wade knew LeBron's time with the Miami Heat was up when the two shared a flight to Las Vegas last month. James' body language said it all.

"Yeah, I went to sleep knowing," said Wade at his annual Fantasy Basketball Camp at the Westin Diplomat Hotel on Friday. "He called me the next day. But I knew then. Obviously he still had to say the final yay or nay, but I knew. I could tell."

Wade's comments break what has been a largely quiet offseason for the three-time NBA champion. When the Heat were eliminated in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, he chose against meeting with reporters at the team's exit interviews. And his only comments since LeBron confirmed his departure from Miami came via a statement.

"As his friend, I'm just supportive," wrote Wade. "As crazy as that might sound, I'm supportive of my friends doing what makes them happy. Obviously, same thing with him in this situation. You've gotta do what makes you happy -- selfishly do what makes you happy. The decision to go back home was that."

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