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Melo, George recruiting Wade to Thunder: 'You know where you belong'

Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports / Action Images

Although Carmelo Anthony and Paul George have yet to suit up in a game for the Oklahoma City Thunder, they're already helping their new team.

The All-Star duo, who joined the Thunder via separate trades this offseason, are both trying to convince Dwyane Wade to come aboard as well.

Melo said as much when asked about Wade, who reportedly reached a buyout agreement with the Chicago Bulls and was placed on waivers Monday.

"I would love to have him here in Oklahoma City, but am I allowed to say that? Is that tampering?" Anthony asked, before being informed Chicago had waived Wade.

"Oh, he's free now? Come on, you know where you belong, D. That's all I'm going to say."

George echoed Melo's sentiments, saying he's doing what he can to get in the veteran shooting guard's ear about choosing OKC.

"It'd be great to get D-Wade here," PG-13 told reporters Monday, via Daily Thunder. "I'll be in his phone, texts, his DMs, his Snapchat, whatever I gotta do to try to get this dude here."

Wade spent time training with George this summer and has considered Anthony one of his best friends for a long time. They were both lottery picks in 2003, and bonded together on multiple All-Star teams, Team USA, and as part of the Banana Boat crew.

General manager Sam Presti said he'll reach out to Wade's camp "like the rest of the league," per ESPN's Royce Young.

The 35-year-old is believed to be interested in signing with either the Cleveland Cavaliers, the San Antonio Spurs, the Miami Heat, or the Thunder after clearing waivers.

Related: Ranking potential landing spots for Dwyane Wade

LeBron James has already made his pitch to his buddy Wade, while several of the three-time champ's former Heat teammates have poured their hearts out in hopes of talking him into returning to South Beach.

Here's how much money each team can offer Wade for 2017-18, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks.

Team Salary offer to Wade
MIA $4.2M
SAS $3.3M
CLE $2.5M
OKC $2.3M

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