Dwyane Wade 'Leaning Toward' Picking Up Option To Stay With Bulls

This won't come as a surprise to many folks, but early this morning ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported that Bulls guard Dwyane Wade is likely staying in Chicago next season. It's been widely believed for a while now that the three-time NBA champion would pick up his $24 million player option to play a second season with his hometown team. His family has settled happily back in Chicago, and there's virtually zero chance Wade finds that kind of money on the free agent market were he to explore offers from other teams. After his season-ending exit interview, Wade told the media in Chicago he has the luxury of making the best choice for himself and his family. Specifically, he made it clear he feels no need to "ring chase" at this stage of his career. The only possible scenario that might encourage Dwyane to opt out and leave that $24 million on the table is if the Bulls decide to trade Jimmy Butler and begin a full-scale rebuild. Wade stated earlier this season he would have little interest in playing on a rebuilding team comprised of mostly young kids. However, Shelburne's sources suggest Wade will pick up his option and stay in Chicago even if the front office deals Jimmy.

"While Wade is monitoring the situation with Butler and how the Bulls approach this week's NBA draft, sources indicated that he's leaning toward picking up his player option regardless of what the Bulls do in the next week." - Ramona Shelburne

On Monday, several reports of multiple teams trying to acquire Butler via trade hit news feeds like a tidal wave. The week leading up to the NBA draft (this Thursday) is always packed with trade rumors and speculation. Butler has been linked to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers and Phoenix Suns. And of course, there's always the Boston Celtics, lurking in the wings with their enormous vault of future draft picks. Wade's deadline to make a decision on his player option is June 27th. If the Bulls shock the NBA world and trade Butler before then, there's a slight chance you'll see him opt out. But most signs point to the veteran putting a Bulls jersey back on next season. Who's excited? *eyes rolling out of head*