Nearly two years after his retirement from the NBA, Dwyane Wade has secured yet another position that will allow him to get paid while engaging in his love of basketball. The former basketball player — who spent the majority of his years playing for the Miami Heat — has purchased an ownership stake in the Utah Jazz and will now work alongside Governor Ryan Smith, who became the franchise’s majority owner in December.
“This goes way beyond the dream I had to just play basketball in the NBA,” Wade told ESPN of his latest accomplishment. “I’ve seen Shaq do it in Sacramento. I’ve seen Grant Hill do it in Atlanta. I’ve seen [Michael] Jordan do it in Charlotte.”
“If this partnership is going to be anything like my relationship is with Ryan, there are going to be a lot of things that I’ll want to be involved in.”
“… Unfortunately, people in my community don’t get this opportunity, and I do not take it lightly to have this opportunity,” Wade continued. “To make real change, this is where you have to be — at the top — and Ryan knows that. I’m thankful for him, and I know too that I bring a lot to this partnership outside of just my basketball knowledge and skills.”
Wade made his entry into the NBA after he was selected fifth in the 2003 draft by the Miami Heat. He helped to lead them to their first-ever championship in 2006 and later won two consecutive championship rings with the team in 2012 and 2013. He had brief stints on the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls but ended his basketball career as a Heat player following the 2018-2019 season.
In the wake of his retirement, Wade joined Turner Sports as a sports commentator who has since made several appearances on TNT’s NBA event coverage. Now, he’ll be able to show off some of his ownership skills.
“I want to congratulate @DwyaneWade for becoming an owner of the NBA’s Utah Jazz!“ wrote Magic Johnson. “D Wade is really building a business empire and I’m so proud of him!!”
“Congrats to my bro @DwyaneWade!!” added Chris Paul of the Phoenix Suns. “The Jazz was smart as hell to bring him in…knows everything there is to know about this league and leading a TEAM!”