Dwyane Wade: Return to Chicago is ‘bigger than basketball’

Dwyane Wade says his return to his hometown of Chicago is about more than basketball.

Wade appeared on “Good Morning America” on Friday, saying that he hoped his decision to join the Bulls could help unite the city in light of recent events.

“My purpose for being back in the city is bigger than basketball. Basketball is a big part of it, of course; it’s what I do for a living,” Wade said, via ESPN. “But I think my purpose at the end of the day hopefully is to come to Chicago and be a part, be a voice that can help bring people together.”

The violence in the city hit close to home on Aug. 26, when his cousin was killed in a shooting.

“We’re coming off doing the town hall meeting, literally the night before. My mother’s on the panel, we’re using our voice, using our platform to shed some light on the city of Chicago for others to look in and see how we can all help and all come together, and hours later one of my family members is killed,” Wade said. “For me it’s tough. I want my family to grieve in private, but my name is attached to it.”

Wade has been outspoken about change in communities recently. Obviously, there is great excitement to see Wade in a Bulls uniform, but the move back home is even more significant for him.