Wade picks up $23 million option, will stay with Bulls

MIAMI — The Dwyane Wade Watch has been put on hold when it comes to a potential reunion with the Miami Heat.

Multiple media reports Tuesday said that the former Heat guard has decided to pick up his $23.8 million 2017-18 player option with the Chicago Bulls, the second year of the twoyear contract he signed last season when he left the Heat in free agency after spending the first13 seasons of his career in South Florida.

Wade had until June 27 to make his decision. NBA free agency opens July 1.

Wade, who returned to South Florida at season’s end, had been expected to return to the Bulls to again make a playoff push alongside Jimmy Butler. However, even with speculation of the Bulls possibly trading Butler in coming days, Wade nonetheless apparently opted for the cash in hand.

While the Bulls could possibly offer a buyout, such a move likely would not come until at least next February’s trading deadline, affording the Bulls the opportunity to maximize his expiring salary-cap space.

Wade’s Bulls finished tied at 41-41 with the Heat last season, securing the final playoff berth in the Eastern Conference by virtue of winning the season series 2-1over the Heat.

Wade, who turns 36 in January, won his lone visit to American Airlines Arena last season.

Had Wade opted out, the Heat figured to be limited in their financial flexibility, having to deal with free agents James Johnson and Dion Waiters with an anticipated $37 million in salarycap space.

Wade appeared in 60 games for the Bulls last season, averaging18.3 pointson career-low.434 shooting, at 4.5 rebounds and a careerlow3.8 assists per game.