Dwyane Wade

Three-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer who spent most of his career with the Miami Heat.

Dwyane Tyrone Wade Jr. (born January 17, 1982) is an American basketball executive and former professional player who is a co-owner of the Utah Jazz of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is also currently the host of the American adaptation of The Cube. Nicknamed "D-Wade" and "Flash", he is regarded as one of the greatest shooting guards in NBA history, he spent the majority of his 16-year career playing for the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and won three NBA championships, was a 13-time NBA All-Star, an eight-time member of the All-NBA Team, and a three-time member of the All-Defensive Team. Wade is Miami's all-time leader in points, assists, and steals.

Quick Facts

Team: Utah Jazz
Position: Co-owner
League: NBA
Born: 17 January 1982
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
High school: Harold L. Richards (Oak Lawn, Illinois)
College: Marquette (2001–2003)
Draft round: 1

Lore & Background

After a successful college basketball career with the Marquette Golden Eagles, including leading the team to the Final Four in 2003, Wade was drafted fifth overall in the 2003 NBA draft by the Heat. In his third season, Wade led the Heat to their first NBA Championship and was named the 2006 NBA Finals MVP. At the 2008 Summer Olympics, he led the United States men's basketball team, commonly known as the "Redeem Team", in scoring and helped them capture the gold medal.

In the 2008–09 season, Wade led the league in both total points (2,386) and points per game (30.2), the latter stat earning him his lone NBA scoring title. Wade was selected as the NBA All-Star Game MVP in 2010. With LeBron James and Chris Bosh, he helped guide Miami to four consecutive NBA Finals from 2011 to 2014, and won back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013. In July 2016, Wade briefly left Miami to play for the Chicago Bulls and the Cleveland Cavaliers for half a season (46 games) in 2017–18 before being traded back to Miami in February 2018.

He then played the remainder of the 2017–18 season and the 2018–19 season with the Heat before retiring in 2019. The Heat retired Wade's #3 jersey in 2020. He purchased a minority ownership stake in the Utah Jazz in 2021 and became a minority stakeholder of the WNBA's Chicago Sky in 2023. In October 2021, Wade was honored as one of the league's greatest players of all time by being named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.

He has been inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame twice: in 2023 for his individual career, and in 2025 as a member of the Redeem Team.

Reader's Guide

Wade played for the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of a stint that lasted from July 2016 until he was traded back to Miami in February 2018. He played for the Chicago Bulls and the Cleveland Cavaliers for a season and a half before being traded back to Miami.

Did You Know?

Wade was born in Chicago, Illinois, on January 17, 1982.
Wade was a member of the 2008 U.S. Olympic "Redeem Team" that won gold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Dwyane Wade listed in Cavaliers club history?

Although he is a Miami Heat legend, Wade joined Cleveland as a veteran leader to support LeBron James during the 2017-2018 season. His presence added championship experience to the roster during their title pursuit.

When did Dwyane Wade play for the Cavaliers?

He signed with the team in July 2017 following his departure from Chicago and remained on the squad until February 2018. This tenure covered a portion of his final playing years before he returned to Miami.

Did Dwyane Wade win an NBA championship with Cleveland?

No, he did not secure a title while wearing the Cavaliers jersey because the team lost the 2018 NBA Finals to Golden State. All three of his championships were won earlier in his career with Miami.

How did Dwyane Wade's time with the Cavaliers conclude?

He was traded back to the Miami Heat in February 2018 along with a future draft pick. This move allowed him to finish his professional basketball career closer to home before retiring in 2019.