Dwyane Wade reveals having "conversations" with LeBron James leading to Heat’s Big 3 creation
In 2010, Dwyane Wade's Miami Heat famously signed then-two-time MVP LeBron James and star big man Chris Bosh, forming a lethal Big 3. According to Wade, he and James had multiple "conversations" before deciding to team up in free agency.
James and Bosh joining Wade in Miami sent shockwaves across the NBA landscape. The trio ultimately made NBA Finals appearances in all four seasons together, winning two championships in 2012 and 2013.
On Tuesday's episode of "The OGs" podcast, Wade reflected on how the Heat's Big 3 came to fruition. He noted that he and James had candid discussions ahead of free agency about how to reach the next steps in their careers.
"You know how it happened, man? Conversations," Wade said.
Per the Hall of Famer, James hit a crossroads in pursuit of his first title, so he proposed a team-up plan.
"I give credit to LeBron. He was at a period in his career where he wanted to see something different for himself," Wade said. "... We all were in seven years of our careers at that time, so we all had done some amazing individual things. I think he had two MVPs at the time. I already had my finals and my MVP."
Wade added that he was eager for Miami to return to contention after years of mediocrity and rebuilding following the franchise's 2006 championship.
"But it was a time where one, man, we had already won, we already experienced what that was, and then we went through losing, we went through rebuilding, and I was tired of that," Wade said.
Wade, James and Bosh teaming up seemingly paid off, as they each elevated their resumes during their tenure together. However, they also caught persistent flak from those who felt their decision hurt the league.
Dwyane Wade says he almost joined Chicago Bulls in 2010 free agency before LeBron James asked him to team up
During his podcast discussion, Dwyane Wade noted that he planned to join his hometown Chicago Bulls in 2010 free agency before LeBron James' team-up pitch.
According to the 13-time All-Star, he didn't foresee the Heat landing any difference-makers in free agency.
"I was actually leaving Miami at that time because I didn't think that anybody out there that we could get was going to help us get to that level," Wade said. "... I wanted to be a part of a team that could win, and for me, my hometown team could win. So, I was like, 'Man, I'm going back home. I'm going to Chicago.'"
However, Wade added that James' initial phone call changed everything.
"But I got that call, man. I got that call from No. 6," Wade said.
Despite remaining with Miami in 2010, Dwyane Wade later played one season with Chicago during the 2016-17 season. However, by that point, he was past his prime, and the Bulls suffered a first-round playoff exit as an eighth seed.
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