Just before the start of training camp in 2017, Dwyane Wade signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers, reuniting with LeBron James to make another title run. Just like Miami, but with less Peruvian ceviche and more pierogies.
We all know how that ended (Wade was traded to Miami at the deadline and is finishing his career there), but Wade went into Cleveland with his eyes wide open. He knew LeBron was headed to Los Angeles, the future Hall of Famer told Joe Varden of The Athletic.
It didn’t work out that way. Why did Wade sign in Cleveland then? To chase a ring.
Cleveland was a mess last season, one LeBron was able to will to the Finals anyway. However, it took a midseason roster shakeup of trades — which included Wade and Isaiah Thomas going out — to make that happen. In the end, the trade was best for Wade, he got to go home, and the Cavaliers.
But Wade knew he was not going to Cleveland for a long time anyway. He knew what was going to happen the next summer before the rest of the league was sure.