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3 reasons why the Bulls should want Dwyane Wade to stay in Chicago

By Luke Bendel

Apr 10, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade (3) sits on the bench against the Orlando Magic during the second half at the United Center. Chicago defeated Orlando 122- 75. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade (3) sits on the bench against the Orlando Magic during the second half at the United Center. Chicago defeated Orlando 122- 75. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dwyane Wade is a future Hall of Famer and has the chance to stay in Chicago with the Bulls for at least one more season. Here’s three reasons why the Bulls should want him to stay.

Dwyane Wade has a decision to make thissummer as to whether or not he wants to exercise his player option to stay with the Chicago Bulls or if he wants to test the free agency waters for the second straight year. Wade has until the June 27 deadline to figure out what his future holds.

Despite a few injuries throughout his first season in Chicago, Wade did have a few good moments throughout his first season in a different NBA uniform for the first time. He was a starter, a fun player at times and a piece that could still help the Bulls moving into next season.

Having said that, here’s three reasons why the Bulls should make sure that Dwyane Wade accepts his $23.8 million player option for the 2017-18 season and stay in Chicago.

Reason No. 1: With a young core, you need veterans around them

The first reason why the Bulls should attempt to resign Wade is that he is a veteran. He is a three-time NBA champion as well as a former MVP and has been in the league for 14 years. Wade has really been through it all and that kind of experience can help the Bulls, or any team, tremendously.

There were some tight spots that the Bulls found themselves in last season, particularly on Opening Night when Wade had the ball with a chance to ice the game, where the former champ bailed the Bulls out of a situation. He’s a veteran that can get the job done with the game on the line and help mold the younger guys into better players down the stretch of important games in their futures.

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Reason No. 2: He can be a good teacher for the younger core

The second reason why the Bulls should keep Wade is that he is a role model for the younger players on the team. The younger Bulls players have the privilege to play with Dwyane Wade and learn under him. All of the players in the locker room have to love having Wade on their team, so keeping him would definitely maintain the morale of the team.

Since the players enjoy having Wade around, they are more likely to listen to and trust him when he helps them in practice or when he is just giving them advice. He’s been around the block once or twice. Guys like Denzel Valentine, Jerian Grant and Bobby Portis all could learn from Wade.

Reason No. 3: Is it crazy to think Wade becomes a better shooter this offseason with his declining athleticism?

Lastly, Wade is coming off of a season where he shot the second highest 3-point percentage of his career. Wade has never been a great shooter from deep and has often shied away from shooting from beyond the arc. He shot just 31 percent from 3-point range last season. This isn’t a great percentage, but defenders had to respect him a little bit more and that would allow Wade to what he does best and drive to the basket and either score or find an open teammate.

Wade is 35 years old and probably realizes that he isn’t going to be able to rely on athleticism for too much longer. With this being said, Wade may try to improve his 3-point shooting even more this offseason and if he can get his percentage a little higher, then that would really help the Bulls, as they were one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the league without a hint of spacing.

Should Wade decide to remain with the Bulls, he would be getting $23.8 million next season. It is going to be hard for him to pass up this much money considering no other teams will be willing to give him that much.

Next: ESPN Report: Wade leaning towards accepting player option for 2017-18 season

However, the rumors of fellow teammate Jimmy Butler possibly being traded could make Wade want to sign elsewhere. Still, the Bulls should look to make sure he stays.