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Dwyane Wade on leaving Heat for Bulls: ‘It’s still surreal’

Dwyane Wade appeared on Live with Kelly on Thursday morning to discuss his plan to sign with the Chicago Bulls in a move he called “surreal.”
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Dwyane Wade appeared on Live with Kelly on Thursday morning to discuss his plan to sign with the Chicago Bulls in a move he called “surreal.”

“It’s still surreal. I’m still numb,” Wade said. “This decision that I had to make last night, I mean I’ve been in Miami for 13 years, 13 incredible years... You get a week to decide what you're going to do. I had to get no sleep. I lost probably five or 10 pounds, just not being able to eat.”

Wade informed the Bulls he would sign a contract with them on Wednesday, marking his departure from Miami after playing for the Heat since they selected him with the No. 5 pick in the 2003 NBA draft.

Wade helped Miami win championships in 2006, 2012 and 2013 and was voted NBA Finals MVP in 2006. 

Dwyane Wade writes letter to Miami fans after leaving Heat for Bulls

“I just want to thank all my fans. We call it Heat Nation,” Wade said. “Just by the way that they embrace me. This little shy kid from Chicago who came from Milwaukee to Miami and really grew up. And we did some special things together.”

Wade returns to the city he grew up in on a contract reportedly worth $48 million over two years.

GOLLIVER: Wade to Bulls: Chicago on a road to nowhere, Heat left hanging

“I’m excited to go back to the place I always envisioned playing basketball,” Wade said. “I've always envisioned myself, like being in the back yard I always had a Bulls jersey on, always envisioned Dwyane Wade being called in the United Center. I get the opportunity to live that dream out.”

Watch the full video of his appearance on Live with Kelly here.