Dwyane Wade will be bought out by the Chicago Bulls. That’s not in doubt. The only two questions are when and for how much of the $23.8 million Wade is owed?
The two sides have not talked about a number yet, and everyone seems to be waiting for the other side to make the first move. Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times had this non-update update:After fellow guard Jimmy Butler was dealt to Minnesota in a draft-night trade, Wade — who had exercised his $23.8 million option for the 2017-18 season — made it known in his circles that he wanted a buyout. According to one source, however, he has not gone to the front office with that request.
Don’t expect that to change. According to the same source, Wade is hoping the Bulls approach him first — with a suitable monetary amount.
It’s a simple game of chicken, with both sides thinking the other will blink first and come in with a more favorable number.
Eventually, they will start talking. Will it be before training camp opens in 10 days, or will it be after? Wade is a veteran who is happy to be patient, he’s not eager to go through another training camp, especially for a team he will not be playing for much longer. I’d say the Bulls’ front office wouldn’t want the distraction of this around, but they seem plenty good at ignoring distractions and problems.
There are a number of teams — the Cavaliers, Heat, and Lakers are known, there will be others — who will be interested in Wade once he is bought out. Right now, they are waiting like everyone else.