Happy days are here again for the Miami Heat. After weeks of speculation that he might bolt the team in free agency, franchise superstar Dwyane Wade is officially returning to South Beach for the 2015-16 season.
FLASH: Dwyane Wade accepts deal to stay with Miami Heat, source tells The Associated Press.
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) July 2, 2015
The deal is a reported 1-year, $20 million agreement that will give Wade the money and the respect that he deserves in the short-term while still maintaining flexibility for the Heat in the long-term.
Associated Press reporting Wade takes one-year deal, $20 million,
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) July 2, 2015
Wade, himself, confirmed the news on social media shortly thereafter with a sick hype video.
Let's Get It! #HeatNation https://t.co/Ppge3LTMdP
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) July 2, 2015
Though reports of the past few weeks made it seem like Wade was seriously considering leaving the Heat, it was always unimaginable that the 11-time All-Star would abandon the team that drafted him in 2003 and the city where he has played his entire 12-year career and brought three championships to.
Statement from Wade: pic.twitter.com/nopMOLu94S
— Victor Oquendo (@VictorLocal10) July 2, 2015
With Miami closing a 5-year deal with Goran Dragic on Wednesday, Wade’s return signals another victorious free agency period for Pat Riley and the Heat franchise. Now the Wade/Dragic duo will team up with Chris Bosh, Luol Deng, Hassan Whiteside, and newcomer Justise Winslow to form an intimidating six-man core that will be able to compete with anyone in the Eastern Conference.
Miami-Wade County, indeed. Welcome back, Dwyane.
Photo via Dwyane Wade on Instagram
