Dwyane Wade Talks Decision to Leave Heat, Free Agency on Live with Kelly Ripa

Dwyane Wade stated Thursday morning on Live with Kelly that the free-agent process that led to him signing with the Chicago Bulls was "surreal," as he struggled to sleep and lost an estimated five to 10 pounds before making a final decision. 

Wade, who served as the co-host for Thursday's show alongside Kelly Ripa, thanked the Miami Heat fans for their support over the last 13 years. He also discussed his excitement level about "living the dream" of returning to his hometown of Chicago to play.

Live with Kelly shared the 34-year-old guard's remarks:

Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press reported Wednesday night that Wade and the Bulls agreed on a two-year contract worth around $47 million. He also provided the details of a letter Wade wrote to Miami in which he called the move an "extremely emotional and tough decision."

The letter also featured comments from Wade about his childhood memories of Chicago:

"

Watching the Bulls growing up inspired me at an early age to pursue my dream of becoming a basketball player. My most treasured memories were watching my dad play basketball on the courts of Fermi Elementary School and developing my game at the Blue Island Recreation Center. I have never forgotten where I came from and I am thankful to have an opportunity to play for the team that first fueled my love of the game.

"

Ethan J. Skolnick of the Miami Herald previously reported Tuesday that extension discussions between Wade and the Heat had become "ugly." The longtime franchise cornerstone didn't feel like a priority, as the front office worked to get other offseason deals done.

Heat owner Micky Arison took to social media after the news of the superstar's decision became public and thanked him for his work on and off the court:

All told, Wade leaves Miami as a 12-time All-Star selection and a three-time NBA champion to go along with numerous other individual accolades. He'll always have a place on the Mount Rushmore of Heat players after everything he accomplished since arriving from Marquette in the 2003 NBA draft.

But there's no doubt it will be a special moment when he walks onto the court for the first time in his hometown as a Bulls player.