Dwyane Wade Contract Buyout Talks Would Have to Be 'Advantageous' to Bulls

If Dwyane Wade wants to engage the Chicago Bulls in buyout talks, he will have to come up with a scenario that's beneficial to the team. 

Per K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune, John Paxson, Bulls vice president of basketball operations, told reporters Tuesday the team is "working under the impression" Wade will be with them next season and potential buyout talks would have to be "advantageous" for the Bulls. 

ESPN's Nick Friedell reported June 21 Wade informed the Bulls he was exercising his $23.8 million option for next season. 

The following day, during the NBA draft, the Bulls traded Jimmy Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves for a package that included Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and the draft rights to Lauri Markkanen, whom the Timberwolves selected with the No. 7 overall pick. 

With the Bulls going all-in on a rebuild, the 35-year-old Wade's presence on the roster and massive salary stand out. He's not at a point where starting over would be enticing. 

Wade joined the Bulls last season after spending 13 years with the Miami Heat. He averaged 18.3 points and shot a career-low 43.4 percent in 60 games during the 2016-17 season.