By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
After 13 seasons in Miami and three championship rings, Dwyane Wade has committed to joining the Chicago Bulls.
“This was not an easy decision, but I feel I have made the right choice,” Wade said in a letter released to the Associated Press. “Watching the Bulls growing up inspired me at an early age to pursue my dream of becoming a basketball player. My most treasured memories were watching my dad play basketball on the courts of Fermi Elementary School and developing my game at the Blue Island Recreation Center. I have never forgotten where I came from, and I am thankful to have an opportunity to play for the team that first fueled my love of the game.”
Wade has agreed to a two-year deal worth $47 million, according to the AP. The Miami Heat, Wade’s team for his entire 13-year career, had a two-year, $40 million offer on the table for him.
The Bulls are also sending Jose Calderon to the Los Angeles Lakers with a trade in order to clear salary-cap space and sign Wade.
The Bulls have also agreed to a trade that will send Mike Dunleavy to the Cleveland Cavaliers, who is leaving for the same reason with Calderon.
In other free agency moves from last night, center Nene with Houston for a one-year, $2.9 million deal and his fellow Brazilian guard Leandro Barbosa has agreed to a two-year, $8 million contract to return to the Phoenix Suns.