Miami

Returning to the 305: Dwyane Wade Traded Back to Miami Heat

The 36-year-old is coming back to Miami after two seasons in Chicago, Cleveland

What to Know

  • The Cleveland Cavaliers traded Wade to the Heat for a protected 2024 second-round draft pick
  • Wade spent 13 seasons with the Heat after being drafted in 2003, winning three NBA titles and being named a 12 time All-Star.

The second chapter of the Dwyane Wade era with the Miami Heat is set to begin.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to a trade sending Wade back to South Florida in exchange for a protected 2024 second-round draft pick, the team confirmed Thursday.

"We feel that Dwyane can help our team in so many ways," Heat President Pat Riley said in a statement. "It is a beautiful moment for us, for the city and for the fans. All of us embrace it in the manner that we want to win and that's why we brought Dwyane back home. We look forward to having a great end of season run as we fight for the playoffs."

Sources told NBC 6 that Wade was arriving in Miami Thursday night and undergoing a physical evaluation before playing in Friday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Reaction to the move - including from Wade's wife, actress Gabrielle Union - show the folks in what used to be affectionately called "Wade County" are ready for his return.

Drafted in 2003 with the fifth overall pick, Wade became a fan favorite when he joined with Shaquille O'Neal, Alonzo Mourning and others in helping the team win their first championship during the 2005-06 season - with Wade being named the Finals MVP that year.

A Look at Dwyane Wade's Miami Heat Career

Wade, 36, spent 13 seasons total with the Heat, winning two more NBA titles after Miami brought in superstars LeBron James and Chris Bosh during the 2010 offseason. During his time with the Heat, Wade was a 12 time All-Star and eight time member of the All-NBA team.

James even took to Instagram Thursday, writing "truly happy for my brother @dwyanewade!! It's how it's suppose to be. Love you my guy!! #WadeCountyBack."

Wade left the Heat after the 2015-16 season to sign a deal with his hometown Chicago Bulls before signing with Cleveland this past offseason.

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