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Wade: Decision to leave Heat for Bulls still ‘surreal’
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DWYANE Wade danced onto the stage holding TV host Kelly Ripa’s hand yesterday morning, settled into his chair and smiled broadly as the studio audience roared with cheers and applause.
Not even a full day after deciding to leave the Miami Heat and join the Chicago Bulls, Wade guest-hosted “Live With Kelly” in New York — fulfilling a commitment he made several weeks ago. He spent a few minutes at the start of the opening segment talking about the decision and thanking Heat fans.
He told Ripa the decision still felt “surreal” yesterday.
“I just want to thank all my fans,” Wade said on-air, before an audience that included at least one person who waved his Heat jersey. “We call it Heat Nation. ... This little shy kid from Chicago came from Milwaukee to Miami and really grew up. And we did some special things together.”
Wade grew up in Chicago before going to college in Milwaukee. He was drafted by the Heat in 2003.
“OK, so do you remember winter?” Ripa asked. “I’m concerned. We’re going to need to get you a coat.”
“Can I get one that says ‘Live With Kelly?’” Wade replied.
A return to wintry weather notwithstanding, Wade said he “always envisioned” playing basketball in Chicago and that he’s excited for the chance.
The 34-year-old free agent and 3-time NBA champ reportedly balked at a two-year, US$40 million deal from the only franchise he has known. His new deal will reportedly pay him US$47.5 million over two years, with a player option in year two.
He had been linked to Denver, Milwaukee and Cleveland. The Nuggets reportedly pitched as much as US$52 million for two years while Bulls’ Rajon Rondo and Jimmy Butler urged Wade to play for his hometown club.
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