Dwyane Wade has been totally immersed in his job with the Chicago Bulls. He departed the Miami Heat suddenly with the thoughts that it was time to move on and maintained that he had no ill feelings towards Heat president Pat Riley.

Thursday, he returns to South Beach for the very first time since he left in free agency.

When asked when was the last time he spoke with Riley, Wade responded:

“I think you guys know, I haven't talked to him. It's as simple as that. I think I've been very open and honest about my respect and love with Pat. I've been honest that I haven't spoken to him since the season ended.”

Dwyane Wade played in Miami for 13 years while bringing three titles to the city, and said he keeps in contact with almost everyone he left behind, except Riley.

Wade may have been honest about his situation, but tells NBA.com he doesn't think fans really understand why he was left to find his own way this summer.

“I don’t think a lot of people understand. If you’re not in this business it’s hard to understand. I don’t really want them to understand. I want them to appreciate what we accomplished together. I want them to cheer for the team they have now, support those players who are giving their all. Support the future of the organization and be thankful we were able to experience an unbelievable ride together. That’s all you can do.”

It boiled down to business, and the Heat looking to move forward were more interested in what is being done now, than what was done in the past.

As one of Thursday's TNT games, the Bulls come into Miami on a back to back that's sure to be an emotional night for Wade. He feels those before him only received modest receptions and while he expects more, he isn't sure.

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“I've only experienced it from clapping for other guys who came back. I've always been appreciative of the guys who came back and the tributes they got. I have no idea. I would love if [the game] wasn't on a back-to-back. I would love if I was able to have a day so I can enjoy my house. I'm going to go sleep in my bed for about three hours — I would love it a lot more. But I'm going to take advantage of the moments I'm there … and go out and compete in an arena that I played for 13 years, an environment that I'm used to. So it's going to be fun from that aspect, but I would love it if the schedule gods would have looked at it a little better and not gave us this on a back-to-back.”

Wade would love to leave Miami with a win, and he should expect plenty of appreciation.

The fans view him as a Heat lifer, no matter what uniform he's wearing now.

“I think I’ll definitely be appreciative. I think it’s going to be cool to see familiar faces, to see love and support and just being thankful for what you did. Unless you are just cold blooded everyone will feel something about that. At the same time, it’s not like it’s my retirement ceremony where I could get real emotional. I’m trying to come in there and beat their butt. They’re going to try to beat our butt, so you have to get to the competitive part of the game as well.”