Justise Winslow Comments on Dwyane Wade's Decision to Sign with the Bulls

The announcement that long-time Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade had agreed to a two-year, $47.5 million deal with the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night, via The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski, has not only taken a toll on South Beach fans but also on Wade's former teammate, Justise Winslow. 

The forward, who is preparing for his second season in the NBA, spoke with the media Thursday about Wade's departure, via Manny Navarro of the Miami Herald.  

"I'm still not over it," Winslow said. "It kind of just shook me because it was out of the blue. You hear so many rumors. You're not sure what's true. It's not too often you play with one of the greats. I think that's the part that shook me the most, losing that mentor, friend."

Winslow was a big supporter of the idea that the Heat should bring Wade back in free agency, telling Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel on June 30 that "as long as D-Wade comes back, there's always hope."

Instead, the Heat weren't willing to meet Wade's contract demands, and he walked in free agency as a result.

The Heat drafted Wade fifth overall in 2003. He won three championships in Miami and became the franchise's all-time leader in games, minutes played, points, field goals, assists and steals.

Winslow wasn't the only one to voice his feelings about Wade's departure. Heat president Pat Riley texted Dan Le Batard of the Miami Herald earlier on Thursday:

"

SADDDDDDD!!!! SO saddddddd! I will never forget the sixth game in Dallas in 2006. DW rebounded the ball, and threw it to the heavens and the Heat universe was perfect for that moment. Our first world championship. Our universe is not perfect today. It will be fraught with anger, judgment, blame instead of THANK YOU!!! Ten years ago. Ten years older. Ten years wiser. Ten years changed. All of us. Dwyane had a choice, and he made it. He went home. Bad, bad summer for us. But there will be another 10 years, and it will be someone or something else in 2026. Move on with no blood or tears. Just thanks. I truly loved Dwyane, but families grow, change and get on with another life. He will always be a part of us. ALWAYS! And no more bruises and enough fighting. Let’s just fly above it if we can and never forget. I feel his pain and pride for what pushed him over the ledge. Been there. Forever, for always, your coach I will be. FOREVER!

"

Heat center Hassan Whiteside didn't use as many words:

In his lone season playing with Wade, Winslow averaged 6.4 points and 5.2 rebounds per game in 28.6 minutes coming off the bench. As he continues to build his NBA resume, Winslow will have to work with a backcourt that is guaranteed to return just Goran Dragic, Josh Richardson and Briante Weber.

While the team was able to bring back Whiteside on a four-year max deal, per Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press, the void left by Wade will ensure that Miami is going to roll out a different-looking team next season. 

It will be up to Winslow to continue developing his game to give Whiteside another star presence on the roster while the Heat look to stay relevant in the Eastern Conference without the face of their franchise. 

Stats courtesy of Basketball-Reference.com.