Veteran shooting guard and 12-time All-Star Dwyane Wade has picked up his $25 million player option for the 2017-18 season, meaning that he will remain with the Chicago Bulls. Wade will become an unrestricted free agent in the 2018 off-season.
Vincent Goodwill of CSN Chicago broke the news Tuesday evening:
Sources: Bulls were informed by Dwyane Wade that he's picking up his option for next season. Story to come
— Vincent Goodwill (@VinceGoodwill) June 20, 2017
Dwyane Wade Picks Up Player Option to Remain With Chicago Bulls
Wade averaged 18.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game last season for the Bulls. However, his nightly points and steals averages have both declined in each of the last two seasons. Wade suffered an elbow injury near the end of the regular season but was able to return in time for the playoffs. The Bulls lost to the Boston Celtics in the first round, 4-2. Wade had some moments that were a flash from the past, reminding fans that he can still contribute to his team on the court.
Looking forward, Wade will continue to be a solid scorer and team contributor in Chicago. Wade will continue to provide a veteran perspective to newcomers and still go into “Flash” mode every so often. The Bulls will need Wade to stay healthy for the majority of the season if they want to contend for a playoff spot again.
Wade is going into his 15th season in the league and his second with the Bulls, during which he’ll be 35 years old. Wade played his entire career for the Miami Heat before leaving last summer for his hometown Bulls. He was drafted fifth overall by the Heat in 2003.
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