Dwyane Wade apparently thinks the Chicago Bulls front office did him dirty.
Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype reported Wednesday that Wade, who opted into his deal with the Bulls for 2017-18, is frustrated with management because he feels they misled him about the direction of the team. Wade is also said to have gone the last two months without communicating with the front office.
More from Kennedy:
As his June 27 deadline to opt-in to the final year of his contract approached, the veteran shooting guard wanted assurances from the front office that the Bulls would field a competitive team during the 2017-18 season. Wade didn’t want to opt-in and then watch the franchise enter a rebuilding period. Sources close to the situation say that Wade received those assurances. Jimmy Butler was also given the impression that he wouldn’t be traded, according to league sources.
Just days after the 12-time All-Star picked up that $23.8 million option, the Bulls dealt Butler to Minnesota and waived Rajon Rondo, all but assuring a large-scale rebuild phase. With Wade, who will turn 36 next season, entering the twilight of his career, it makes little sense for him to stick around for that, especially with how unpopular he reportedly is among Chicago’s young guys.
Wade buyout rumors (and subsequent potential landing spots) have gained real momentum in recent weeks, and it sounds like his relationship with the Bulls is close to irreparable. That would all but ensure an inevitable divorce.
