Report: Wade had positive meeting with Bulls about next season

The Chicago Bulls may be in the process of retaining their stars.

Just days after reportedly telling Jimmy Butler they have no intention of moving him, team management held a season-ending exit meeting with shooting guard Dwyane Wade in the Windy City, sources told the Chicago Tribune's K.C. Johnson.

The sides discussed the club's future entering next year, among many other topics, in the "positive" sitdown Saturday.

Wade has a $23.8-million player option for 2017-18, and must inform the team by June 27 whether or not he'll pick it up. While the Bulls haven't pressed the veteran on his decision, they reportedly expect him to opt in.

Chicago was eliminated in the opening round of the playoffs after losing to the Boston Celtics in six games. At the time, Wade was unsure of his future with the organization, which he joined last summer in free agency following 13 years with the Miami Heat.

"Jimmy (Butler) is, you know, a huge component in me being here," the 35-year-old told reporters on April 29. "You know, what's his future like? But at the end of the day it is a me decision.

"Everyone knows that Jimmy's my guy, and I'm here because of our conversation (last summer). But a lot of it depends on the whole big picture. Jimmy's a big piece, but it's a big picture as an organization."

Wade also mentioned he could chase a ring elsewhere.

He attended Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Friday to support his friend LeBron James. While at Quicken Loans, Cleveland Cavaliers fans tried to recruit him.