Wade set for a return to his Chicago roots

NEW YORK: Dwyane Wade, a three-time NBA champion with Miami, is set to join his hometown Chicago Bulls following 13 seasons with the Heat, the US media reported Wednesday night.
The 34-year old free agent reportedly balked at a two-year, US$40 million (RM160.66 million) deal from the Heat who drafted him in 2003.
He was also reportedly upset with Miami making a priority of trying to re-sign Hassan Whiteside and attempting to woo Kevin Durant from Oklahoma City.
Nothing is official as NBA clubs can agree verbally to terms with players but no contract signings can take place until Thursday.
Wade has made over US$300 million in a career where he teamed with LeBron James and Chris Bosh to championships in 2012 and 2013 after winning one with Shaquille O'Neal in 2006.
Wade reportedly was seeking at least US$50 million and the Bulls were willing to meet the demands of the Chicago native.
Before reports surfaced about Wade going to Chicago, he had been linked to the Denver Nuggets, the Milwaukee Bucks and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Wade, a 12-time NBA All-Star who played on the 2008 US Olympic gold medal team of NBA stars, has never been the Heat's top-paid player.
The Denver Nuggets reportedly pitched as much as US$52 million for two years while Bulls guard Rajon Rondo and Jimmy Butler reportedly have been pushing Wade to come play for his hometown club.
Meanwhile, Ray Allen, two weeks shy of his 41st birthday, was looking at signing with the Cavaliers and the Warriors.
ESPN reported Allen's representatives reached out to the Warriors while Cleveland.com said he had contacted the Cavaliers of his interest in returning to the NBA after two seasons off. He also reportedly has shown interest in the Los Angeles Clippers and San Antonio Spurs as he seeks a third title after crowns with Boston in 2008 and Miami in 2013.
In 18 NBA seasons, Allen averaged 18.9 points and made 40% from beyond the thee-point arc. — AFP