Nov 10, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade (3) dribbles the ball past Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (20) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Photo Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade is picking up his $23.8 million player option for next season.
The 35-year-old Wade informed the Bulls of his decision Tuesday night. The former Miami Heat star had until June 27 to inform the team.
When asked by TNT about his decision, Wade said: “24 million reasons.”
The Chicago native averaged 18.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game in his first season with the Bulls in 2016-17. He played in 60 games and was sidelined late in the season with a fractured elbow. The scoring average was the second lowest of his 14-year career.
“18.3 points a game in 29 mins on 43 percent shooting at 35 years old. if I’m 25 with the same numbers I’m getting 150 million,” Wade wrote on Twitter just after midnight Wednesday morning.
Wade told the Bulls he did not want to be part of a rebuilding process and his decision came with the team at the center of trade rumors involving All-Star Jimmy Butler before Thursday night’s NBA Draft.
The Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves and Phoenix Suns reportedly are interested in Butler.
Butler hopes to stay in Chicago and remains intent on trying to lead the Bulls back to Eastern Conference prominence, sources told ESPN’s Marc Stein on Tuesday.
The Cavaliers reportedly expressed interest in Butler and could be willing to part with power forward Kevin Love as part of a three-team trade.
The Chicago Sun Times reported multiple Cavs players, including stars LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, reached out to Butler to gauge his interest. But Butler reportedly told the Cavs he would like to remain with the Bulls.
