Dean Wade

From undrafted to NBA starter, Dean Wade's journey with the Cavaliers.

via Wikipedia: Dean Wade · see source

Dean Jackson Wade (born November 20, 1996) is an American professional basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association (NBA); he played for the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2019 to 2026. He played college basketball for the Kansas State Wildcats.

Quick Facts

Position

Power forward; small forward

League

NBA

Team

Philadelphia 76ers

Born

20 November 1996

Birthplace

Wichita, Kansas, U.S.

High school

St. John (St. John, Kansas)

College

Kansas State (2015–2019)

Highlights

2× First-team All-Big 12 (2018, 2019)
First-team Parade All-American (2015)
Mr. Kansas Basketball (2015)

Lore & Background

Wade was born in Wichita, Kansas, to Jay and Trish Wade. He lived in Inman, Kansas, briefly before moving to St. John at a young age. His mother is a track and volleyball coach at St. John High School in St. John, Kansas. His father was briefly a member of the football team at Kansas State University. Wade played four years of varsity basketball at St. John High School, earning All-State honors for multiple seasons and winning three state championships. As a senior, he was named Parade All-American and Mr. Kansas Basketball by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in social science.

Reader's Guide

Dean Wade played college basketball for Kansas State, earning Big 12 All-Newcomer Team honors as a freshman and first-team All-Big 12 accolades as a junior and senior. He went undrafted in the 2019 NBA draft and signed a two-way contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers on July 9, 2019. He made his NBA debut on November 18, 2019. On July 6, 2026, he signed a four-year, $39 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.