Dwyane Wade does not want Kobe Bryant-like farewell tour

Dwyane Wade is often mentioned in the same breath as Kobe Bryant for his longevity and overall excellence at the 2-guard position. But Wade has no desire to imitate one notable aspect of Bryant’s career.

In an interview with ESPN’s Jorge Sedano that aired this week, the Miami Heat guard said that he does not want a big farewell tour when he retires.

“I don’t want one of those,” said Wade. “I talked to Kobe about that. He was like, ‘It was exhausting. As flattering as it was, it was very exhausting as well.’ I’m not a narcissist like that — I’m not calling Kobe a narcissist, he earned that and he needed that — But I can’t say I want a farewell tour like Kobe Bryant. That’s not who I am.

“When the time comes, I don’t even wanna talk about it yet because it’s not here yet,” the three-time champion added. “But when the time comes, I’ll announce it in my own D-Wade fashion the way that I do, and hopefully I can move on from it and live on the memories from that point on.”

Retirement may not be too far off for the 36-year-old Wade, who returned to the Heat at this year’s trade deadline and has already stated that he will not be leaving Miami again. But he is definitely not the first aging former superstar who has made clear that the Bryant exit route is not for him.