With still a few months left before the summer, Dwyane Wade is apparently already weighing in on his decision to return to the Chicago Bulls next season.
That's indeed the case according to his teammate and closest friend on the team, Jimmy Butler. The 27-year-old starting small forward admitted, via Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun Times, that he understands Wade's situation especially because he owns a player option on his contract. He also added that it's a big decision and that he told him to think of his family when he makes it.
“I still think he’s got a lot more basketball left if you ask me. I think everybody knows that I really like the guy as a person. He’s taught me so much on the floor, off the floor, but that’s his decision. You’ve always got to do what’s right, and not only for him, but for his family. But that choice is weighing on him because it is a player option.
“I tell D, ‘You do what you have to do.’ ’’
After playing his first 13 seasons with the Miami Heat, the 35-year-old Marquette product surprised many when he opted to play for his hometown team. However, with the Bulls season not going according to plan, there is growing belief that he will explore his options once again in free agency come summertime.
As he will still be under contract after this season, Butler knows he can only say as much to Wade to make him stay and that at the end of the day, it's his decision to make.
“It doesn’t change my mentality because I’m under contract and I can’t do anything about it. I can only talk to him again like I did before this year.’’
One thing that can entice him to stay though is if the team can manage to make it to the playoffs, as he can return to action that time, despite suffering a fracture in his elbow a few weeks ago. The Bulls are currently battling for one of the last playoff berths in the Eastern Conference and Butler is doing his best to will the team to a postseason appearance.
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