NBA Trade News 2017: Wade Officially Signs With the Cavaliers; Hopes to Win Another Championship With LeBron James
This week, Dwyane Wade has officially become part of the Cleveland Cavaliers' roster for the NBA 2017-18 season. The 12-time All-Star player is hoping to win his fourth championship – which is going to be his third with former Miami Heat teammate LeBron James.
The Cavs and Wade confirmed the news in a statement, while league sources confirmed to ESPN that the player signed a $2.3 million-worth contract for one year.
Cleveland General Manager Koby Altman confirmed Wade's trade into the team on Wednesday where the player was also present for his first practice as a Cavalier.
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In the statement, Altman said that adding Wade increases their chances to "achieve success at the highest level." The GM also expressed high expectations for Wade and said: "Dwyane has proven time and time again that he is a leader and competitor of the highest caliber and that his focus is centered on the ultimate goal."
Wade was part of the Chicago Bulls before signing with Cleveland. He confirmed that he decided to leave Chicago after realizing that the team was "now heading in a different direction."
Chicago is in the process of totally rebuilding the team with their relatively younger roster.
Meanwhile, with three championship wins and a 14-year pro basketball career, Wade has made it clear that his goal – like the Cleveland organization – is to win another trophy.
During his time in Chicago for season 2016-17, Wade marked an average of 18.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game.
Basketball fans can certainly recall that while Wade is new to Cleveland, he is familiar with the city's basketball hero, James. The two plus Chris Bosh once completed Miami Heat's "Big 3" and have won two championships together.
"There's no better place to be right now to continue to play and compete at the highest level. Cleveland believes in my talents and what I can bring to a championship contender ... I look forward to reuniting and playing alongside my brother LeBron," Wade said in a statement.
Meanwhile, James was evidently just as excited to play with Wade and called the latter "one of my best friends."
Wade and the rest of the Cavaliers' first game for the NBA 2017-18 season will be on Wednesday, Oct. 4, against the Atlanta Hawks at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
