Playing hardball with Wade?
Bulls VP says any buyout must benefit team
A year after Dwyane Wade’s departure from the Miami Heat, the franchise icon could be back on the NBA free-agent market sooner than expected — but not necessarily on his preferred terms.
During a media session called to introduce the players acquired from the Minnesota Timberwolves for Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls vice president John Paxson was asked Tuesday about a potential buyout for Wade.
Wade left the Heat last summer for a two-year contract with his hometown Bulls, recently picking up his $23.8 million player option for next season. However, in thewake of the Butler trade, there has been speculation about a potential buyout.
“I knowGar [Foreman, the Bulls’ general manager] has spoken to Leon Rose, Wade’s agent,” Paxson told media in Chicago, “and as far as a buyout has not been broached, I will say this, in this type of scenario itwould have to benefit us. “Itwould absolutely have to benefit us.” Under league rules, a player is allowed to give up a portion or all of his remaining salary in order to become a free agent if the agreement is approved by his team. Wade and the Heat left the door open since his departure for a possible reunion, withWade having spent all but one season of his 14-yearNBA career with theHeat.
“Dwyane was a great pro last year and he’s been around a lot of different situations,” Paxson said, withWade in the midst of a European vacation after returning to