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The Miami Heat’s greatest player ever re-signed Thursday, ending months of speculation about whether he would return to the team with which he has won three NBA championships.
“It has been an honor and privilege to play with the Miami Heat the past 12 years,” Wade said. “The Heat family and I have shared incredible moments over the years, and I look forward to continuing our journey. I am extremely proud of my personal contributions in helping to build the Heat franchise and for bringing three NBA championship wins to our great city. For my entire NBA career, Miami has always been my city and my home. I’m overwhelmed with the love and support the Miami community have consistently shown me and my family throughout the years.”
Wade also posted a short video:
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Wade’s agent, Henry Thomas, called the contract a “win-win,” adding, “The Heat get to keep their franchise cornerstone while having the ability to build a championship-contending roster.”
The signing follows that of guard Goran Dragic, a newcomer who added much steam to last year’s roster even though the team didn’t make the playoffs. Forward Luol Deng also recently signed with the team. Along with center Hassan Whiteside and forward Chris Bosh, the team now has a solid core entering 2015-16. That core, though, may not be able to match LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers or Steph Curry’s San Francisco Warriors.
Wade’s one-year, $20 million deal will still allow the team some flexibility when big-name players like the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant becomes available. And though Wade has missed substantial time because of injury in recent years, he played better in the 2014-15 season than he had in recent years.
