OPA-LOCKA, FLA. (WSVN) - The Cleveland Cavaliers have traded three-time champion Dwyane Wade to Miami on Thursday, and he is expected to be available when the Heat play on Friday night.
https://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT/status/961721712000819200
The Miami Heat tweeted, later Thursday, indicating that Wade will be available to play in Friday night’s home game against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Cameras rolled as Wade and his wife, actress Gabrielle Union, exited a private plane at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport, Thursday night.
Union could hardly contain her excitement. She jumped for joy and flashed a wide smile as she held hands with her husband.
The “Bring It On” star had earlier posted a video on Instagram showing Wade clowning around for the camera while she is heard saying, “We’re going home!”
🌞🌞🌞🔥🔥🔥🌴🌴🌴 305 HOME!!!! Let's goooooooo HEAT!!!! Can't. Wait.
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) February 8, 2018
It was Pat Riley who drafted Wade to the Heat in 2003. He played 13 seasons in Miami, winning three NBA titles – two of them with LeBron James.
Once again, it was Riley, the architect of the Heat, who’s bringing Wade back.
“It’s about today, it’s about tomorrow, it’s about the next couple of months,” Riley said in a phone interview with 7News. “It’s about competing for a favorable playoff slot.”
Wade is the team’s all-time leader in points, assist steals and games played.
He left the team in 2016 to play for his hometown team, the Chicago Bulls. Then he reunited with James to play with the Cavaliers this season.
But Wade said he always considered the 305 home.
“This is never goodbye to South Florida,” Wade said. “The words, ‘Heat Lifer,’ I’m a Heat for life. I’ll always be a Heat.”
https://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT/status/961763005334786048
For Riley, there are no hard feelings. “Based on what happened with Dwyane the last couple of years, there’s no bitterness, there’s no regrets,” he said.
This season, Wade has averaged 11 points per game, 45% shooting from the field and a career-low 23.2 minutes per game.
More UD, on Dwyane: "I guess I can share my city with him again."
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) February 8, 2018
James went on Instagram to endorse the move for one of his best friends, posting, “Truly happy for my brother @dwyanewade!! It’s how it’s suppose to be. Love you my guy!! (hash)WadeCountyBack.”
Wade signed a one-year deal with the Cavs, but has said he wanted to retire with Miami.
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