NBA: Dwyane Wade re-signs with Miami Heat
Dwyane Wade has confirmed he will stay with the Miami Heat.
Wade had been shopping for a new club, but has now decided to stay and help the club rebuild following the recent departure of superstar LeBron James to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Wade, who joined James in opting out of his contract last month, took to social media to end any speculation about him leaving the Heat.
“Home Is Where The Heart Is… My Home, My City, My House.. #HeatLifer,” Wade tweeted.
By opting out of his prior contract, Wade gave the Heat more money to spend on talent to replace James but ensured greater salaries in future years.
“Dwyane has been the franchise cornerstone for this team since the day he arrived 11 years ago,” said Heat president Pat Riley.
“He has shown his commitment to the Heat many times over the course of his career and has always been willing to sacrifice in order to help build this team into a champion.
“This time is no different. I am ecstatic to have him back in the fold and I am confident that Dwyane, as always, will be leading this team as we look to contend for NBA championships.”
Wade, 32, struggled with knee injuries last season but averaged 19 points, 4.7 assists and 4.5 rebounds over 54 games, connecting on 55 per cent of his shots, a career-best accuracy rate.
The Heat have reached the NBA Finals for the past four seasons since James joined the club in 2010, losing the 2011 and 2014 finals, while winning crowns in 2012 and 2013.
Wade, who led the NBA in scoring in 2009, also won an NBA title with Miami in 2006.