Bulls' Hoiberg doesn't anticipate Wade buyout

It appears more and more likely that Dwyane Wade will remain in the Windy City for the time being.

Despite the chatter of a possible buyout, Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg says he doesn't expect Chicago to part ways with Wade before the 2017-18 season tips off.

"As of right now, no. I don't see that," Hoiberg told ESPN's Nick Friedell.

"Dwyane, he's going to have an important role on this team as a mentor," he added. "He's going to obviously play for us and hopefully play well. And take the role of leadership; it's going to be very important with him."

Bulls president John Paxson echoed a similar sentiment last month, saying the 35-year-old would only be bought out if the Bulls felt the move was "advantageous" for the organization.

While still a talented player at 35 years of age, it remains to be seen how useful Wade will be on a team that recently focused its efforts toward a full-on rebuild.

The 6-foot-4 guard averaged 18.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.7 blocks on 43.4 percent shooting for the Bulls this past season.