"We're still gonna be friends" - D-Wade didn’t hold any grudges against LeBron for leaving Heat

The Miami Heat thought they would get to rule over the NBA, or at least the Eastern Conference, for a very long time after they formed the terrifying trio of Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh in the summer of 2010.

For the better part of four seasons, they managed to do that, advancing to four straight NBA Finals and winning two NBA championships. However, after the San Antonio Spurs spanked them in the 2014 finale, tasting defeat in such a convincing fashion, the dynamic in South Beach changed faster than a conga beat after LeBron left Miami to return to his hometown of Cleveland and play for the Cavaliers.

Despite being keenly aware that the Heat wouldn't be as dominant without the King in town, Wade stressed that he harbored no ill feelings toward the four-time MVP, emphasizing that their relationship was stronger than basketball.

A healthy competition

Wade explained that one reason he didn't resent James for leaving the Heat was that they had already built a relationship long before they became teammates. Selected from the legendary 2003 draft class and teammates on the Hall of Fame 2008 Redeem Team, they were already familiar with what life was like being on different sides of the floor.

"Me and LeBron, I'd go to Cleveland, we'd go to the movies. He'd come here, we'd hang out. And then we'd go on the court, and we'd compete. And then after the game, that's my boy," D-Wade recalled.

"Then we got here, we teamed up, became even closer. And now it's the same thing. You know, we're still gonna be friends, and we're still gonna compete our ass off, until the day we can't compete no more," he added.

When the "Big 3" collaborated on the Heat, they became the most vilified team in all of professional sports almost immediately. Old-timers, current players, and fans universally derided their collective decision as the height of cowardice. As unpleasant as the experience of wearing the black hat wherever they went, it galvanized their brotherhood for life.

"Whether we are playing together or not, we're friends," Wade continued. "Those are friends beyond. People are gonna try to make it something. But we're not really worried about it. We know what we have, who we are. We've never let it get in between our friendship."

Related: Dwyane Wade says the Steph Curry–Under Armour split shows how much the sneaker industry is struggling

Their last season together wasn't fun

Another reason Wade didn't hold it against James for leaving Miami was the admission that their last run as the "Big 3" wasn't fun anymore. With the spotlight constantly shining on them, bringing unprecedented scrutiny, and every team gunning for their downfall, the Heat found themselves playing with more pressure and less joy.

"We went to the Finals four years in a row, and it was everything we wanted from that standpoint," D-Wade revealed. "But sometimes throughout that run at certain times, it just wasn't fun."

Already 34 at that time and three championships and an NBA Finals MVP under his belt, Dwyane said he prioritized enjoying the game more.

"I think now I'm at the point where I want to enjoy the game. Because once I've won three championships and been so successful, you've got to have something to play for. And I want to be able to play for my teammates and just the joy of the game," he explained.

The Heat's 2015-16 campaign saw them reach the Eastern Conference semifinals, where they fell to the Toronto Raptors. Wade averaged 19.0 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game. However, Bosh was limited to only 53 games and was ruled out for the rest of the season due to a blood clot in one of his lungs in February 2016.

Related: Dwyane Wade debunks narrative about the L.A. Lakers being better without LeBron James: "That is a short-minded way of thinking"

This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Nov 24, 2025, where it first appeared in the Old School section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.