Miami Heat majority owner and governor Micky Arison congratulated franchise legend Dwyane Wade on gaining an ownership stake with the Utah Jazz, though he wishes D-Wade made an investment in the team he called home for most of his NBA career.
Wade told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski he did not have “significant conversations” with Heat ownership regarding a financial stake in the franchise.
Arison disputed that notion Friday afternoon, tweeting the team had in fact discussed Wade joining the Heat's ownership group upon his retirement following the 2018-19 season:
“I want to congratulate Dwyane on his recent announcement,” Arison said. “We had discussed having him join our ownership group after his retirement but he was not prepared to commit at the time. Of course I am disappointed that he didn’t reconsider.”
However, Arison said he wished Wade “good luck and much success” with the Jazz, adding he feels the future Hall of Famer will always be a “HEAT lifer.”
Wade told Wojnarowski he will always have the utmost respect and love for the Heat organization and the fans in Miami. However, this next chapter appears to be motivated more by his relationship with Jazz majority owner and governor Ryan Smith.
The two met in 2019 before Smith purchased a majority stake in the Jazz from Gail Miller and her family. Wade said he values Smith's commitment to investing in the community and engagement in social conversations off the floor.
“Flash” will always be remembered as the greatest Heat player in history. But his next journey will take him out West.
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