Dwyane Wade denies using Bulls as free agency leverage in 2010

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There's been a longstanding rumor that Dwyane Wade used the Bulls as leverage during the free agency summer of 2010.

Wade put that notion to rest on Friday.

During his introductory press conference with the Bulls at the Advocate Center, Wade opened up about how close he was to signing with the Bulls after meeting with the organization twice in 2010 before deciding to form the "Big 3" in Miami with LeBron James and Chris Bosh.

[MORE: Dwyane Wade says the Bulls are Jimmy Butler's team]

"There's a notion out there that I used the Bulls for some sort of leverage (in 2010)," Wade said. "It's a place I really wanted to be.

"They gave me a Bulls jersey in 2010. I went home, put it on, took a picture"

Ultimately, despite his heart trying to sway him to Chicago, the decision came down to Wade not wanting to pass up the opportunity to play with James and Bosh in Miami.

As close as Wade came to becoming a member of the Bulls in 2010, it wasn't the first time that the Chicago native thought he would be playing for his hometown team.

[SHOP: Get your Dwyane Wade Bulls gear]

The Bulls were the only team that put Wade through multiple workouts before the 2003 NBA Draft.

"I thought for sure I was coming here," Wade revealed.

It looks like the third time was the charm for Wade and the Bulls.

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