Most teams have entered offseason mode, meaning draft preparation, trade talks and free agency decisions. In addition to the teams, some players have offseason decisions to make as well, such as potential free agent Dwyane Wade. The veteran guard has a player option for next season with the Chicago Bulls, which would be worth nearly $24M. But with his career winding down and the Bulls barely a playoff team, there was question whether Wade would opt out to chase another ring.
According to a report from K.C. Johnson, it appears Wade will take the money. Johnson, who is as plugged into the Bulls scene as anyone, said in a recent mailbag that Wade is expected to opt in. Via the Chicago Tribune:
Can you really see any way Wade walks away from $24 million and leaves the Bulls? — Darnell Green, Annapolis
Well, it's $23.8 million, as mentioned above. But you're on it. And all I can tell you is most everyone associated with the Bulls believes Wade will pick up the option and remain in Chicago for a second season. More surprising things have happened in league history, though. So stay tuned. Wade's player option decision is due by June 27 according to The Vertical's Bobby Marks. Most previous reporting pegged it to June 30.
With three championship rings in his possession, this makes sense. Had Wade never won a title, the decision may be different, but no one else was going to give him $24M next season. If he's really hungry for a fourth title, he could always try to sign on with a contender for the 2018-19 season.
