Wade almost returned to Chicago in 2010
In the summer of 2010, Dwyane Wade was preparing to leave Miami and return home to play for the Chicago Bulls. The three-time NBA champion has just finished his seventh season with the Miami Heat, and he has won the final MVP and has earned a reputation as one of the league’s leading defenders.
“I’m like, man, I’m going home-I’m going to Chicago,” Wade said OGS A podcast hosted by former teammates Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller. “I’ve played here for seven years and I’ve won the championship, it’s time to go to the next one [place]. ”
But everything changed with one phone call.
Dwyane Wade plans to go to the Bulls when LeBron James
“I’m not thinking about playing with him (LeBron), I love our game. Then I got the call (from him)”
(pass @theogsshowh/t @jacobtheclipper)
pic.twitter.com/6zy46x4wvb– FullCourtPass (@fullcourtpass) August 5, 2025
Calls that changed NBA history
Wade recalls calling with LeBron James, their agent and the Heat’s front desk.
“The phone is-‘Brown on the phone, I’m on the phone, our agent [were] On the phone,” Wade said. “They [were] Explain to us Miami’s quiet phone call [done] Enough so that they can attract three star players. ”
That moment flipped Wade’s plan. Instead of heading to Chicago, he stayed in Miami and formed a new super character with James and Chris Bosh. The Heat’s “Big Three” will dominate the league, winning four consecutive NBA finals and championships in 2012 and 2013.
What could Chicago do
Wade, James and Bosh were part of the 2010 star-studded free agent class, which also included Carlos Boozer, Joe Johnson and Amar’e Stoudemire. The Bulls have shot space and are in a strong position in the position of at least two major free agents. With Derrick Rose in place, the franchise has a promising young core.
Eventually, Wade did join the Bulls in 2016, but by then, he had surpassed his peak. Although he remains a skilled scorer, his athleticism and defensive advantages have declined.
Still, the summer of 2010 is a crucial moment—not only Wade’s career, but also for NBA history. Almost formed the Superteam of Chicago. Instead, Miami established a dynasty.
