Dwyane Wade Chooses Chicago, What Does It Mean For The Cleveland Cavaliers?

Dwyane Wade is going to the Chicago Bulls, what does it mean for the Cleveland Cavaliers and their quest to repeat as champions?

David Griffin is serious about keeping his championship core together.

A lesson from the 2011 Dallas Mavericks taught the whole league about scrapping a roster that just won the NBA Finals to add more provocative talent, yet, the idea of Dwyane Wade coming to the Cleveland Cavaliers was enticing.

It was juicy, it was delicious. Like the beef between Pat Riley and Wade.

A rivalry is renewed between the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls, whose matches had lacked a certain spark since LeBron’s departure from Miami.

Wade returns home as LeBron did.

The father of four gets the chance to use the NBA platform take on a socially conscious leadership role in a city that needs a role model. He can build his brand, legacy, and bank account in the Windy City as well.

Should he win a championship with the Bulls, his fourth title, who knows how intensely bright his star will suddenly beam.

Wade has had to think about all of this.

Aside from Pat Riley and the Miami Heat, the Cavaliers were spurned by Wade as well.

This might not be bad. Cleveland will keep key pieces to last year’s championship puzzle and try to add onto what they already have, like the Golden State Warriors.

J.R. Smith should both be a lock to come back and Richard Jefferson already announced that he is returning.

Ray Allen has shown interest in the Cavaliers and should receive consideration for a roster spot.

There’s perhaps a need for Chris Andersen, who is reportedly an option according to the Miami Herald’s Ethan J. Skolnick, as Cleveland lacks a true rim-protector at center.

Retaining free agents such as Smith and Jefferson, as well as adding key role players like Andersen is necessary but not enough to win the championship.

However, because of Wade’s decision, the Cavaliers still possess players who can be used to enhance the roster through their production, or, a trade for another’s.

They also possess $3.5 million to sign a free agent who could really impact their roster.

The Cleveland Cavaliers currently lack a big who can score efficiently in the post.

They also could use an athletic and versatile forward who could space the floor.

Players like J.J. Hickson and Gerald Green could be interesting targets for the Cleveland Cavaliers now.

Related Story: Cleveland Cavaliers Acquire Mike Dunleavy

As far as the competitiveness between the Chicago Bulls and the Cleveland Cavaliers, of course, it has increased.

The entire roster, most notably the Big Three of Rajon Rondo, Wade, and Jimmy Butler, has intensity and heart that will rile up Chicago fans and perhaps make them one of the loudest arenas in the league. On the court that has an effect as it increases the road team’s need to be alert and in-tune.

With two guards who don’t shoot threes they could be prone to low-scoring games.

If they’re efficient though, they’ll be a tough out. This is a lengthy team with a starting lineup boasting players who have a track record of in being successful, impact defenders. This Chicago Bulls team has defensive potential.

Cleveland will be able to attack in their up-tempo style, but points won’t come easy unless they place solid defense and get out in transition for points quickly.

The length and defensive presence of the Bulls players might make it so that there’s more isolation from the perimeter and greater chance of inefficiency.

More from King James Gospel

• 3 possible starting lineups for Cleveland Cavaliers in 2023-24
• The Cavaliers may have snagged a hidden gem in Craig Porter Jr.
• 4 players the Cavaliers should pursue in 2024 free agency
• 6 players Cavaliers might replace Jarrett Allen with by the trade deadline
• This stat is one to keep an eye on for Cavaliers’ Max Strus in years ahead

In addition, their ability to closeout might rain on the Cavaliers parade if the team is wants to make it rain threes. As opposing team’s leave LeBron space, he’ll have to knock down his shot at a far better rate than last year.

The team will ultimately have to run Robin Lopez off the court. This won’t come through Lopez’s fatigue, but because of his proneness to fouling.

Nonetheless, on the low block, the Cleveland Cavaliers will win this battle. Eventually Lopez will get in foul trouble. Because the Cavs lack a true center, both Love and LeBron should be able to take advantage of the lack of size down low.

Should the Cleveland Cavaliers acquire a true center, it only would make the task that much easier.

Next: Bargain Bin Shopping: Realistic FA Targets For The Cleveland Cavaliers

Still, in a seven game playoff series anything can happen. The Chicago Bulls will be one of the most competitive teams in the Eastern Conference and the Cleveland Cavaliers will have to give their all against them every single game if they hope to proceed to a third straight NBA Finals appearance.