Dwyane Wade joins Utah Jazz ownership group
SALT LAKE CITY » Dwyane Wade is an NBA owner. The Utah Jazz announced Friday that the 13-time NBA All-Star will join the youngest ownership group in the league.
The group is headed by technology entrepreneur Ryan Smith, who along with his wife, Ashley, acquired majority interest in the Jazz in late 2020.
Wade and Smith have known each other for several years and had discussed working with each other in various capacities.
“Dwyane is not only a basketball legend, he is also a great leader, businessman, and human being,” Smith said in a statement. “As we continue to build on the incredible legacy of the Utah Jazz franchise, we are excited to add Dwyane’s experience and expertise to the equation. Utah is an amazing place and I couldn’t be more thrilled about the future of the franchise and the future of this state. Dwyane’s influence will be important to both.”
Wade played 16 NBA seasons with Miami, Chicago and Cleveland before retiring after the 2018-19 season. He won three NBA titles and had his No. 3 jersey retired by the Heat last month.
“Partnering with Ryan and the Utah Jazz is the perfect fit as we share the same vision and values,” Wade said.
JAZZ 119, PACERS 111 » Donovan Mitchell scored 22 points before leaving the game with a sprained ankle in the third quarter, and NBA-leading Utah beat Indiana.
Mitchell went to the locker room after suffering a right ankle sprain with 8:18 left in the third quarter. He could not put any weight on his leg and had to be helped off the floor by teammates.
PISTONS 110, THUNDER 104 » Josh Jackson scored 29 points, and Detroit overcame several key absences to beat Oklahoma City, handing the Thunder their ninth straight loss.
WIZARDS 117, PELICANS 115 » Russell Westbrook
scored 10 of Washington’s 12 points in overtime, including a pair of free throws to break a tie with just one second left, and Washington edged New Orleans.
RAPTORS 130, MAGIC 112 » Paul Watson Jr. scored 20 of his career-high 30 points in the third quarter Friday night and Toronto pulled away to a victory over Orlando.
NETS 130, HRNETS 115 » Kevin Durant had 25 points and 11 assists, Joe Harris scored 26 points and Brooklyn beat Charlotte.
Landry Shamet added 20 points for the Nets. Kyrie Irving had 12 points, with Blake Griffin and Jeff Green each chipping in 10 for the Nets.