Even though Dwyane Wade explored his free agent options during the summer of 2010, most people figured it was a foregone conclusion he would re-sign with the Heat. Wade was drafted by the Heat, won a championship in Miami and was the team’s franchise player. Plus, his franchise was busy recruiting other stars to join him and form a super team. Why would he sign elsewhere?
That’s not how Wade saw it.
During an appearance on Chicago Tribune Live on Thursday, Wade said his visit to Chicago really messed with him because that was a childhood dream.
“It was very tough, it was one of the hardest decisions I had to make in my life,” Wade said.
“I’m a Chicago guy and I grew up idolizing the Chicago Bulls, idolizing Michael Jordan and wanted to wear that jersey. So the day I went for the Chicago visit and they gave me the No. 3 jersey, I mean, that day messed me up. I went back home and I had the jersey on and, I mean, I turned into a kid again.”
The Heat have reached two NBA Finals, beaten the Bulls, and won one title since Wade re-signed with the team. No way he regrets his decision. But it’s interesting to note how much he considered signing with Chicago; I had outright dismissed the possibility.
Kobe was nearly a Maverick? Wade nearly a Bull? What could have been.
