Dean Wade revealed that the Philadelphia 76ers made him a precedence instantly in free company earlier than he agreed to a four-year, $38.7 million contract with the team.
“The 76ers had been tremendous as quickly as they might begin speaking with me in free company,” Wade advised ClutchPoints. “Mike and people guys had been calling me continuous through the first 5 hours or so of free company, and that advised me every thing I wanted to find out about how a lot they valued me.”
Wade particularly pointed to his relationship with Philadelphia president of basketball operations Mike Gansey as an essential think about his determination. Gansey had beforehand labored with Wade in Cleveland and continued to indicate confidence within the ahead.
“Having Mike, somebody who has all the time believed in me and supported me, goes a good distance,” Wade stated.
The basketball match was equally essential for Wade, who needed to hitch a staff able to competing for a championship. Philadelphia entered the offseason trying to reshape its roster after a 45-37 season and a first-round playoff series victory over Boston earlier than being swept by the eventual champion New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
“So far as basketball goes, I needed to go someplace that was able to compete and be a title-contending staff,” Wade stated.
Wade stated the following additions of Jaylen Brown and LeBron James strengthened his determination to hitch Philadelphia. The 76ers acquired Brown from the Boston Celtics in trade for Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks earlier than signing James to a two-year minimum contract.
“As quickly as I made my determination, Jaylen (Brown) was traded right here, after which LeBron (James) joined on as nicely. That instantly let me know I made the proper determination,” Wade stated.
Leaving Cleveland was however troublesome for Wade after spending his total seven-year NBA profession with the Cavaliers. He admitted there was part of him that needed to return due to the relationships and private historical past he had developed there.
“Yeah, completely. I used to be so snug there. Numerous my life occurred in Cleveland,” Wade stated. “There was undoubtedly that feeling, however general, I knew it was time to maneuver on and see what else was on the market.”
Wade enters Philadelphia after averaging 5.8 factors and 4.2 rebounds in 59 video games for Cleveland through the 2025-26 season. He performed 22.3 minutes per sport and shot 43.9% from the sector and 36.2% from three-point vary.
His three-point capturing has grow to be an essential a part of his offensive profile. Wade shot 39.1% from three in 2023-24 earlier than making 36.0% in 2024-25 and 36.2% final season.
The 29-year-old is already making ready for a special offensive function in Philadelphia. With Brown, James and Tyrese Maxey able to creating benefits, Wade expects to function steadily as a decision-maker after defensive rotations.
“All the pieces has been about decision-making, particularly within the paint,” Wade stated. He emphasised studying defenses and creating 4-on-3 or 3-on-2 conditions when defenders decide to the staff’s main playmakers.
Wade can be centered on sustaining his bodily profile, saying he prefers to stay between 230 and 235 kilos so he can protect his lateral motion defensively. He stated he has spent the offseason getting stronger whereas decreasing physique fats with out including vital weight.
Philadelphia’s new core now options Brown, Joel Embiid, Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, with James offering one other veteran playmaker. Wade’s skill to defend, shoot and make fast choices may give the 76ers one other complementary piece round their high-usage stars.
