PEMRBOKE PARK, Fla. – The Miami Heat are losing the face of their franchise.
Dwyane Wade informed the Chicago Bulls that he plans to sign a deal with them on Wednesday night. The deal, which by NBA rules can't become official until Thursday, is for two years, $47.5 million.
In a letter released to the Associated Press, Wade said, "I look back with pride and amazement at all we have accomplished together," in reference to his time with the Heat.
Dwyane Wade, in letter to Miami released to AP: "I look back with pride and amazement at all we have accomplished together."
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) July 7, 2016
The 12-time all-star spent each of his first 13 seasons in Miami, leading them to three NBA championships and taking home the 2006 NBA Finals MVP award. Wade is the Heat's career leader in a number of major statistical categories including points, assists, steals and games played.
The Heat drafted Wade with the fifth overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft.
He made the all-rookie first team and helped lead the Heat to a dramatic victory over the Hornets in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Wade joined forces with Shaquille O'Neal the following season and helped lead Miami to the Eastern Conference Finals. The duo helped lead Miami to the NBA title the following season with Wade winning his Finals MVP trophy.
In 2010, Wade helped spearhead the effort that brought together the big three in Miami: Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh. The trio brought the franchise two championships in their four seasons together and made the Heat one of the league's most popular and, at the same time, unpopular franchises.
In his 13 years, Wade became perhaps the city's most beloved professional athlete ever. Fans lovingly refer to Dade County as "Wade County." Now, though, it appears he will finish his career in another city and another uniform.