Cleveland Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue admitted he wanted to sign Dwyane Wade and reuniting him with LeBron James. But the team couldn't afford him.
Lue said that James wanted Wade to play in Cleveland when he entered the free agency last summer. He admitted that Cleveland Cavaliers really wanted to sign the three-time NBA champions into the team. Unfortunately the team financial condition could not afford them to sign Wade, as reported by Bleacher Report.
Cleveland Cavaliers owed the NBA $54 million in luxury tax payments last season. Therefore if the team signed Wade, he would have to take a huge amount of paycut. Cleveland could only afford to offer $3.5 million for Wade.
Compared to Wade's $47 million contract with Bulls over the next two years, Cleveland could not give a better offer, as reported by FOX Sports.
James put the condition in a short sentence, "We couldn't afford him. It's that simple."
Both James and Wade played together for four years in Miami and bringing in back to back championship for Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013. The 12-time NBA All-Star Wade made a surprising decision last summer as he decided to leave the Heat and going to free agency. Prior to joining the Bulls, Wade had already hinted that he wanted to come home to Chicago.
Wade also said that he didn't feel wanted by Miami Heat president Pat Riley toward the end of his contract, so he made the decision. Wade who was born and grew up on the South Side of Chicago idolized Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan in his childhood.
He went to Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin during his college basketball career in 2001. He led the team, Marquette Golden Eagles to NCAA Final Four in 2002-03 season for the first time in 25 years. Afterward, he entered the NBA in 2003 and drafted by Miami Heat.
He played for the Heat for 13 seasons and bringing three championship rings for Miami Heat. He opted-out his contract after the 2015-16 season and becoming free agent. Wade signed with Bulls on July 15.