Bulls’ Dwyane Wade On Future: ‘I Don’t Need To Ring-Chase’

After getting eliminated in the NBA Playoffs by losing four straight games to the Boston Celtics, the future remains uncertain for the Chicago Bulls and star guard Dwyane Wade.

Along with Jimmy Butler potentially being traded over the summer, Wade can opt out of his contract with the Bulls. The three-time NBA champion can leave $23.8 million on the table in Chicago to test free agency once again, but he maintains he doesn’t need to chase rings this late in his career, via Nick Friedell of ESPN:

“There’s so many different variables that come into play, especially for me at this point in my career,” Wade said after his exit meeting with the Bulls’ front office. “Like I said, I have a great luxury. I don’t need to ring-chase, but I can. It’s a great luxury to have if I want to do.”

The Bulls didn’t exactly live up to expectations during the 2016-17 campaign. The team traded away Derrick Rose to the New York Knicks and brought in Rajon Rondo and Wade to play alongside Butler.

Although the Bulls were deficient in the three-point shooting category, Wade and company were thought to be able to compete for a high seed in the Eastern Conference and potentially give the Cleveland Cavaliers some competition in their title defense.

Unfortunately for the Bulls, Chicago barely clinched the eighth seed in the East and was tasked with facing Isaiah Thomas’ Celtics in the first round. Despite a 2-0 start, Wade’s squad couldn’t rebound from losing Rondo to a thumb injury and ultimately their season came to an end.

Over the last few months, there’s been a lot of speculation about the team’s intentions with Butler and if Wade would return for a second season. The future still seems uncertain with Wade being vague about his intentions this summer and Butler potentially being on the trade block.