Dwayne Wade Purchases Ownership in the Utah Jazz
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, former NBA star Dwayne Wade "has purchased an ownership stake in the Utah Jazz, joining majority owner Ryan Smith with plans to take an active role in the franchise and region."
In an interview with ESPN, Wade said he hopes to bring more to the Jazz than his basketball IQ:
"This goes way beyond the dream I had to just play basketball in the NBA," Wade told ESPN. "I've seen Shaq do it in Sacramento. I've seen Grant Hill do it in Atlanta. I've seen 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. 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." - ESPN's story on Dwayne Wade purchasing partial ownership in the Utah Jazz
Wade has been a role model for Jazz star Donovan Mitchell. Wade told ESPN, ""He's on that short list of people who call me and talk for hours. We've got a big brother-little brother relationship."
Wade's ownership in the Jazz could go a long way in securing Mitchell's future with the Jazz. It could also help the Jazz in the free agent market - an area where they've struggled since the franchise moved to Utah.
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