The Cleveland Cavaliers made the surprising move on Thursday morning to trade former All-Star guard Dwyane Wade back to the Miami Heat.
Wade was one of six players that the Cavaliers moved to shake up the roster for a strong second-half push toward competing for an NBA title. According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, the decision to move Wade to Miami came down to two reasons.
The first had become quite apparent after the Cavaliers made a few moves to trade for backcourt help with the addition of the likes of Jordan Clarkson, Rodney Hood, and George Hill. This would have left Wade in a smaller role on the floor than the one he has had this season since transitioning to the bench.
The move back to Miami should give him a chance to get reinserted into the starting lineup or at the very least compete for a sizeable role off the bench. He is still a major factor as a scorer when given extended playing time and can also be a playmaker with his passing ability. Although he may not be the player he once was, Wade’s presence could help push the Heat further up the ranks in the Eastern Conference to possibly contend with the Cavaliers or Boston Celtics.
Secondly, Wade has continued to voice nothing but praise toward the Heat since departing two summers ago. He has held an affinity for the organization and a great appreciation for his first 13 seasons in the NBA spent there. In fact, Wade had put together a Hall of Fame-worthy career in Miami that established himself as one of the best guards that the league has seen.
More importantly, it also offers Wade the opportunity to finish out his career where it began on seemingly his own terms. He has already mended the fences with team president Pat Riley, and the unwavering adoration from the fan base has remained quite strong. This should all make for an enjoyable last chapter of his illustrious career.
