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Dwyane Wade Returns to Heat After 2-Week Paternity Leave, Will Play vs. Nets
November 20, 2018
Dwyane Wade's final dance is set to continue after a brief pause.
Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press reported Tuesday that the Miami Heat guard is ready to return after spending the last two weeks on paternity leave. The team confirmed the 12-time All-Star would be available to play against the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday night:
The 16th-year veteran has not played since Nov. 5.
Wade and his wife, actress Gabrielle Union, welcomed a baby girl, Kaavia James Union Wade, into the world via surrogate Nov. 7:
DWade @DwyaneWadeWe are sleepless and delirious but so excited to share that, our miracle baby, arrived last night via surrogate and 11/7 will forever be etched in our hearts as the most loveliest of all the lovely days. Welcome to the party sweet girl! #onelastdance @itsgabrielleu ❤️ ♥️ ♥️ https://t.co/JudAeQlbJ7
Union explained the meaning behind the name: "We wanted to include my family in her name, so the 'James' is from my uncle James Francis Glass, who is also my godfather. Union is her middle name."
Kaavia is the couple's first child together and Wade's fourth. He also has three sons: Zaire, Zion and Xavier.
The 2003 fifth overall pick announced in September that the 2018-19 campaign would be his final season:
He cited family as a major reason for his decision, making it clear that he wanted to be around to support his wife. With a newborn daughter now in the mix, family is as important as ever.
The 36-year-old Wade is averaging 14.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game this season.