Dwayne Wade Commits To Bulls

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Published on July 7 2016 6:39 am
Last Updated on July 7 2016 6:39 am

By ESPN

Free agent Dwyane Wade has committed to join the Chicago Bulls.

"This was not an easy decision, but I feel I have made the right choice," Wade said in a letter released to The Associated Press.

"Watching the Bulls growing up inspired me at an early age to pursue my dream of becoming a basketball player," Wade wrote. "My most treasured memories were watching my dad play basketball on the courts of Fermi Elementary School and developing my game at the Blue Island Recreation Center. I have never forgotten where I came from, and I am thankful to have an opportunity to play for the team that first fueled my love of the game."

Wade has agreed to a two-year deal worth $47 million, according to the AP. The Miami Heat, Wade's team for his entire 13-year career, had a two-year, $40 million offer on the table for him.

"He's home," one source close to Wade said of the Chicago native.

Acrimony had been building between Wade and the Heat over the past week. Wade met with Heat owner Micky Arison in New York on Monday.

"Miami dared a very proud man to go home, and that man's best friend [LeBron James] just won a title by going home," a source close to the process told ESPN's Ramona Shelburne.


Cavaliers Acquire Dunleavy From Bulls

The Cleveland Cavaliers have acquired veteran forward Mike Dunleavy from the Chicago Bulls, sources told ESPN.com.

The trade was made to help facilitate the Bulls' impending signing of Dwyane Wade. The Cavs will use a trade exception to acquire Dunleavy, who is under contract for $4.8 million next season.

Cleveland is likely to send Chicago a second-round pick or the rights to a player overseas, sources said.

Dunleavy, whom the Cavs chased in free agency last summer, was excited about the deal, sources said. He averaged 7.2 points and shot 39 percent on 3-pointers for the Bulls last season, in which he was limited to 31 games after back surgery.

LeBron James has long coveted the versatile Dunleavy as a teammate.

Meanwhile, veteran swingman Richard Jefferson announced Wednesday via Snapchat that he will return to Cleveland on a two-year deal. Jefferson, 36, said after the Cavs won the title that he would call it a career, but he changed his mind at the team's victory parade in downtown Cleveland and made it official Wednesday night.


NBA Unveils New Shot Clock

The NBA, with official timekeeper Tissot, will unveil a new shot clock and integrated timing system at its summer league Thursday.

The updated shot clock mounted to the backboard includes the 24-second and game clocks as well as timeouts and will mark the first time that all 30 NBA teams will use the same system.

The system will also feature the most transparent piece of glass to date, allowing fans seated within its sight line a less obstructed view through to the court.

League officials reason that a clearer display of numbers, combined with an integrated system, which automatically sends data to scoreboards and video equipment, should result in more precise calls made by on-site referees and for those checking those calls at the NBA Replay Center. Fail-safes with the new system are also more seamless, as one system can be replaced by its backup with the push of a button.

Players and fans will also notice that the block border around the clock is gone, and a solid yellow line will flash when the 24-second clock expires.