Chicago Bulls 2017-18 player preview: Dwyane Wade
What to expect from Dwyane Wade for the Chicago Bulls during the 2017-2018 season.
Last offseason, Dwyane Wade made every 2010 Chicago Bulls fans dreams come true by signing a two-year deal with his hometown team. However, the signing of Wade last season was in anticipation to try and contend in the East. That did not happen and that narrative has changed for the upcoming season. The Bulls’ rebuild may impact whether Wade stays in Chicago or goes to a contender.
Last season
In Wade’s first season with Chicago, he played 60 regular season games and returned for the playoffs from a “season ending” elbow fracture injury. Despite his age, Wade was an effective asset for Chicago last season.
Even though Wade averaged his lowest amount of points per game since his rookie season with 18.3 and his lowest career field-goal percentage of his career (.434), he actually made a great improvement from beyond the arch. Wade had the second-best 3-point percentage of his career, shooting .310.
On a team lacking three point threats, Wade stepped up to contribute where Chicago was lacking. With Jimmy Butler as the main scoring threat, Wade filled his complementary role pretty decently.
Wade may not be the same speedy, explosive guard he used to be, but that doesn’t mean he has nothing to contribute. Being a veteran in a young locker room, Wade has a lot of wisdom that he can pass along to the rookies and mentor the young kids to help them improve.
What to expect next season
As of right now, Dwyane Wade is still on the Bulls’ roster, but this could change soon. The Bulls and Wade aren’t the right fit for each other right now due to his age and the blatant rebuilding process Chicago’s beginning to adopt. Since Wade is towards the end of his career, a rebuild simply doesn’t suit him.
This has led to strong rumors and consideration for Chicago to offer Wade a buyout. Due to the contract he signed last season, Wade would be due over $20 million in this case. However, at this point the breakup between these two is inevitable.
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Even if no buyout is reached and assuming Wade stays healthy, he should be a prime asset to be traded around the deadline. No doubt Chicago would be able to deal Wade to a contender to get draft picks or younger players to support their rebuild.
But in the meantime, Wade is still with Chicago. Assuming Wade were to stay with the Chicago Bulls, you could expect much of the same from him this year as last. However, due to the younger assets acquired by Chicago, Wade could be forced into a lesser role.
Once healthy, Zach LaVine and Kris Dunn will be playing the two guard positions. Wade could either start at the three or take a sixth man role for the young team. Chicago appears to be looking to tank this season, forcing Wade into more of a mentoring role with the young players.
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However, with Wade’s career winding down, he most likely won’t stick with the rebuilding Chicago Bulls for much longer. Keep an eye out for a buyout coming shortly or a trade involving Wade somewhere down the line.