Dwyane Wade and Miami Heat president Pat Riley were basically in a standoff.  Riley offered Wade a two-year, $40 million deal to stay with the Heat and refused to offer a penny or a year more.  Wade believed he was worth more due to the pay cuts he’d taken in the past, and the fact that he’s never been the highest paid player on the team despite his significant meaning to the franchise.  In the end Riley called Wade’s bluff to leave and Wade said goodbye.  Wade agreed to a two-year, $47.5 million deal to join the Bulls and go back to his original home of Chicago.  Here’s what Riley had to say about that.

He sent a text to Dan Le Batard of the Miami Herald:

“SADDDDDDD!!!! SO saddddddd! I will never forget the sixth game in Dallas in 2006. DW rebounded the ball, and threw it to the heavens and the Heat universe was perfect for that moment. Our first world championship. Our universe is not perfect today. It will be fraught with anger, judgment, blame instead of THANK YOU!!! Ten years ago. Ten years older. Ten years wiser. Ten years changed. All of us. Dwyane had a choice, and he made it. He went home. Bad, bad summer for us. But there will be another 10 years, and it will be someone or something else in 2026. Move on with no blood or tears. Just thanks. I truly loved Dwyane, but families grow, change and get on with another life. He will always be a part of us. ALWAYS! And no more bruises and enough fighting. Let’s just fly above it if we can and never forget. I feel his pain and pride for what pushed him over the ledge. Been there. Forever, for always, your coach I will be. FOREVER!”