MIAMI (WSVN) - Die-hard Dwyane Wade fans remember him as one of their own and want the memorabilia to go along with those memories.
Fans at the AAA could be seen posing next to a D-Wade bobblehead statue holding the Championship trophy while others raced to get their hands on Wade gear at the Miami Heat store.
“It’s a sad day for Miami,” said Heat fan Marion Harris. “I bought some jerseys to remember him.”
“He brought on, what, three championships here? And I think it’ll probably be a remarkable loss for the City of Miami,” said fan Frank Smart.
It’s a huge loss for the team, but it brings big profits with all the remaining Wade merchandise.
One shopper showed 7News what he bought at the store. “A Wade T-shirt, and I got a Championship hat,” he said.
A tourist from Costa Rica got in some shopping too and said he will be taking his Wade jersey back home with him.
“Wade had a good legacy here, and now since he’s probably leaving, I think that it will probably be a bad decision for him,” Smart said.
While Miami fans at the AAA mourn the Heat’s loss, Chicago tourists are looking forward to watching him play for the Chicago Bulls.
“He’s a good guy. He’s from Chicago, go Westside. We can’t wait to have him there,” said Luther Samuel, who was visiting Miami from Chicago. “He’s gonna do a great job. He’s gonna bring us a championship. Just like LeBron did when he went back to Cleveland, his hometown, Dwyane’s gonna do that for Chicago.”
Chicago visitor Janet Samuel said she will welcome Wade with open arms. “Oh, absolutely. We’re glad to have him back,” she said. “Absolutely.”
Miami was once Wade’s city and home, but it’s now all a distant memory for Number 3. Now, Wade County will cease to exist.
“He did what was best for him,” said one fan. “He made a wise decision.”
Heat fan Ana Vasquez understands why Wade would want to return to Chicago. “I’m happy for him. I mean, he’s always wanted to play over there,” she said. “It’s his dream, so I’m just supporting him, and I’m pretty sure he’ll be back.”
According to Heat officials, all Dwyane Wade merchandise will be sold for only $13 at all Miami Heat Store locations in South Florida, while supplies last.
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