Back in 2013, Kobe Bryant inked a two-year, $48.5 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, which guaranteed that he would finish off his 20-year career in nothing but the purple and gold. With Dwyane Wade entering the twilight of his 13-year career, it wouldn't be all that shocking if he wanted to model his last few seasons after Bryant and sign a deal that would ensure that Miami is the only place he calls home.
Even Wade's friend and Heat teammate LeBron James thought that was how it would all play out. In an interview with ESPN's Cari Champion, Wade revealed how James reacted to contract extension talks with the Heat falling apart.
Transcript, courtesy of Pro Basketball Talk:
Even though Wade has talked about his desire to play for his hometown Chicago Bulls in multiple interviews, it's clear that Pat Riley was never going to give him anything remotely close to the deal Bryant received from the Lakers. Riley may have been "SO saddddddd" to see D-Wade take his talents to Chi-Town, but Miami simply didn't have the cap space to give him a "Kobe deal."
Send all complaints, compliments, and tips to [email protected].
Related Stories
Dwyane Wade Left the Miami Heat for the Chicago Bulls and Twitter Lost It
Dwyane Wade went from the Heat to the Bulls in free agency and everyone lost their mind on Twitter.
Dwyane Wade and the Business of Basketball
Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade leaves the only NBA team he's ever played for, signs with the Chicago Bulls. It's just business.
Read Dwyane Wade’s Letter to Miami
Dwyane Wade releases a letter to Miami announcing his move to the Bulls.
