There’s still no official word regarding Dwyane Wade’s future with the Bulls. He has until June 27th to decide whether he’s opting into the second year of his current contract or exercising his player option to become a free agent. But earlier today, one of his unnamed Bulls teammates offered up his estimation of Wade’s decision. No surprise here, he thinks the Chicago native is sticking around next season.
Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times included this quote from a Bulls player in his column this morning:
“He definitely sounds like a guy that’s coming back. I just feel like when you’re talking about recruiting [potential free agents] and what you hope your [teammates] are working on [this summer], you’re in.’’ – Anonymous Bulls player
It’s been widely assumed both in Chicago and around the league that Wade will opt in and play a second season for the Bulls. It’s unlikely that Dwyane – who will turn 36 midway through next season – will find any offers matching the $23.8 million the Bulls owe him if he opts in. There’s also the factor of his family, which appears to have happily settled back in Wade’s hometown. Uprooting his kids from their school and friends again would be a difficult side effect of leaving.
Dwyane also stated very clearly in his initial exit interview following the Bulls’ playoff loss to Boston that he feels no need to go “ring chasing” – another piece of evidence to suggest he’s willing to stay with a team that realistically won’t contend for a title next year.
The only hypothetical scenario that could trigger Wade to walk is if the Bulls trade All Star Jimmy Butler before Wade’s June 27 decision deadline. While contending for a title isn’t a necessity, Dwyane also made it known that he has little interest in playing for a team that’s entering the first stage of a full-on rebuild.
