Dwayne Wade to the Cavs, and what this means for the NBA
Dwayne Wade has signed with the Clevland Cavilers after clearing waivers on Wednesday (local time). Wade has a longstanding relationship with Lebron James playing 4 seasons and winning two titles as a duo with the Miami Heat from 2010 to 2014. Of course, this is something for all Lebron fanboys and even most fans around the league will find joy in getting to relive the James Wade Era.
Over his 14-year career, Wade has averaged 23.3 points, 5.7 assists and 4.8 boards a game - a very respectable stat line. Even at 35 years of age, he is by no means finished his career and is still hungry for another championship. Wade has still shown that he is a playmaker, can shoot the ball and has the experience the Cavaliers want and need.
Wade should be a fine player to compliment James and the newly added Isaiah Thomas. Both James and Thomas like playing with the ball in their hands as well as contributing to the scoring aspect of the game. Wade, however, has shown in past years that he can recognize when to take the backseat for his team to succeed. This would be similar to when he played with Chris Bosh and James in Miami, both elite scorers.
New teammate Tristan Thompson believes that Wade will fit in well with the squad "He's pretty familiar with most of the guys on our team, whether playing against or playing with. I think he's going to jell pretty well. He's a veteran, he's always been a good locker room guy"
Wade brings not only his great chemistry with James but also the presence of a much-needed veteran within the locker room. In past years in big pressure series with the Warriors, the Cavs have seemed frantic at times. With Wade's calming presence, the coaches hope to alleviate some of this pressure off of James.
Where some argue that Wade is not the player that he used to be, he can still play. Other than his playing ability, mentioned earlier, Wade also knows what it takes to run and maintain a championship caliber team. With Wade and James back together they bring forward the championship mindset that these Cavaliers may need in order to win another championship.
Another component of this trade is the fact that it keeps James happy. With much speculation and rumors that James might leave the Cavs after his contract ends in 2018, this move should win the franchise some brownie points. Obviously, nothing is sure but fans can draw comfort from the fact that their star once again seems happy.
Wade lands in Cleveland along with other offseason acquisitions bringing a feeling of optimism for the 2017-2018 season. The past years the Cavs have always seemed like they are on the brink of winning a Championship but Wade hopes to be part of what pushes them over the edge and leads them to yet another Championship.
Altogether this is a positive thing for all of the NBA, it gives fans something they want to see - Wade and James reunited. It gives the Calivers roster a boost and it just might make the NBA finals that much more competitive.