Report: Wade, Bulls expected to reach buyout in coming months
This shouldn't surprise anybody.
Dwyane Wade is expected to reach a buyout agreement with the Chicago Bulls in the coming months, according to ESPN's Nick Friedell. Wade is in the final year of his contract worth $23.8 million.
The quid quo pro is simple. It's the classic case of an aging veteran stuck on a non-contender.
The 35-year-old Wade remains a quality player, but he'd likely look to maximize the limited time he has left by joining a contender. The Bulls, meanwhile, are poised for a lengthy rebuild after dealing away Jimmy Butler for prospects this summer.
Wade can still be a box-office draw for Chicago - an important factor for a formerly great franchise now devoid of star talent - but keeping him might also siphon opportunities away from the team's young guards. The Bulls plan to field Kris Dunn and Zach LaVine as their backcourt of the future, and shipping off Wade would maximize the duo's opportunities to develop.
LaVine, however, will be sidelined for the start of the season after he suffered a torn ACL in March. That leaves a gap for the Bulls, and most likely affords Wade a few more months in Chicago as an interim option at shooting guard before the inevitable split.
Wade averaged 18.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists last season in 60 appearances for Chicago.