LeBron James’ departure from the Miami Heat pissed off Dwyane Wade. However, it’s not all negative, as the retired star would claim. It was a rollercoaster leading up to the trade and the moments after.
Wade Didn’t Think It Was True At First
Fans know the era of Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James as The Big Three or The Heatles. This era netted them two rings, with James leading the charge.
However, that changed when the arguable GOAT returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers. This trade made Wade feel multiple emotions.
At first, he didn’t believe the rumors. The Big Three’s four-year run was good, so the former guard didn’t think of any of the three leaving.
Furthermore, when both players entered free agency, the rumors started gaining substantial social media backing. This led to Wade finally accepting that James might be leaving the team.
“When I start hearing Cleveland, I start seeing things, I was like ‘Oh, there’s some truth to the noise.’ I didn’t even know it was a thing because we never talked about [it].”
Dwyane Wade
He Supported James But It Still Pissed Off Dwyane Wade
The former scoring champion admits that while he’s had a few selfish moments, he’s not a selfish person. His attitude is the same with the 19-time All-Star’s departure.
While he supported his friend and teammate leaving, he also understood the consequences and fallout of arguably the best player in the league leaving their team.
Not only would this leave the Heat in a retooling season, but Wade also sacrificed multiple things to give James the space he needed.
“‘You gotta do what’s best for LeBron. If this was better for your family, you got my blessing. I’m not gonna hold you back.’ Was there a part of me that was a little pissed? Yeah, I’m human. I don’t wanna lose the best player in the game.”
Dwyane Wade
The community knows the 41-year-old has given up money to keep The Big Three together. He accepted a $20,000,000 cut to his salary to keep the team sustainable.
Wade adds more information by stating that he also gave up his spotlight so that the forward could shine.
“Money don’t come back people.”
Dwyane Wade
James Was The Bigger Man
Shannon Sharpe and Wade agree that LeBron James was the bigger man in the drama—specifically, the open letter from Dan Gilbert when the latter moved to the Miami Heat.
Due to this, the retired guard never thought the Cleveland Cavaliers were in the picture. However, he didn’t expect James to forgive and forget that quickly.
“I never thought Cleveland was in play because I’m petty. If I was going off with how I would’ve done it ‘No, I’m not coming back to you!’”
Dwyane Wade
The Heat superstar finishes his idea by praising the four-time NBA champ’s mental, something he heavily respects.
