This summer, Dwyane Wade wanted to get paid. He knew that he had done his part for the Miami Heat. He’s the greatest player in the history of their franchise. He’s won three championships with them. Now, months away from his 35th birthday, Wade wanted to get the paycheck that he felt he deserved. He wanted the “aging star who has given his all for this franchise” contract. The Kobe Deal. The Dirk Deal. Pat Riley didn’t want to give it to him, and reportedly did not treat Wade well at all throughout the negotiation process. Wade signed with the Chicago Bulls instead, on a two-year deal worth $47 million. Wade said that he was waiting on an e-mail from Riley to explain what happened, and Riley claimed Thursday that he has finally sent one:
Pat Riley just said he has reached out to Dwyane Wade. Emailgate is over.
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) November 10, 2016
Pat on what he called his "poignant" message to Dwyane: "I had my wife read it before I sent it. … It was metaphorical in a lot of ways."
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) November 10, 2016
On Wednesday, Wade gave some thoughts on Riley to ESPN’s Nick Friedell:
“I know who Pat is,” Wade said. “It’s no secret to me. I was there 13 years, I’ve seen a lot of players come and go. I know how he is. If you’re not with him, you’re against him. That’s just the way he is. You got to understand that, man. And I’m cool with it. I’m fine, 100 percent. I was there 13 years so I’ve seen a lot of video tributes, seen a lot of players come in and go out. And I’ve seen the way he’s responded to them. And I know if you’re not with him, you’re against him.”
Wade said he wasn’t sure whether he would speak to Riley before the highly anticipated game Thursday.
“I don’t know,” Wade said. “I plan on playing tonight [against the Atlanta Hawks], focus on this game. And then I’ll worry about tomorrow at 8 o’clock.”
