Wade to miss at least 1 week to spend time with newborn daughter

Dwyane Wade is temporarily putting his retirement tour on hold.

The 12-time All-Star is expected to miss at least another week for the Miami Heat after Wade and his wife, actress Gabrielle Union, welcomed a daughter to their family via surrogate last week, according to Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press.

"With my daughter coming a couple weeks early, she's a little tiny right now, so we're making sure health-wise that she's OK," Wade said. "And for me, once I leave and go back to the season, not really being able to be with me everywhere I go, this time right now, this bonding moment with my daughter is the most important thing in my life at this time."

The 36-year-old has sat out Miami's last three games. He'll sit at least four more with the Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers, and Los Angeles Lakers on the upcoming schedule.

"And then I'll go from there, see how she's doing, and make a decision based on that," he said.

Union has discussed her struggles with giving birth in the past, revealing that she's had several miscarriages. It ultimately led to Wade and Union choosing surrogacy for their first child together.

Wade took his time before deciding to return to the Heat for a final season, admitting he was going to retire knowing he had a child on the way.

"Our situation is different," Wade said. "The world expects moms to take time off from work. They never expect dads to be the ones who take time away. Because of the route we took to this, it's important that not only my wife but also me take this time. I was going to take the whole year. I was going to retire this summer. But I decided to just take a little time in between instead."

Wade is averaging 14.3 points and four boards through nine games this season.