Pat Riley Never Called Dwyane Wade In Free Agency

Dwyane Wade is coming home, though he may wish it never needed to happen like this.

Wade announced Wednesday he is joining his hometown Chicago Bulls, the team he says inspired him at a young age to pick up a basketball. His deal is reportedly for $47.5 million over two years, slightly more lucrative than the Heat’s two-year, $41.5 million offer.

"I never dreamed that an NBA career could have ever been possible, and that one day I would wear a Chicago Bulls jersey," Wade said in a letter released to the Associated Press.

After 13 seasons, three NBA championships and numerous sacrifices unlike any other superstar his generation has made, Wade felt disrespected by the organization he has given so much to. The Heat signed Hassan Whiteside to a maximum contract that made it impossible to match Wade's asking price of $50 million. They refused to give him the security of a three-year deal.

And, in what sounds like the worse detail, the Heat President and former coach Pat Riley never called Wade during his free agency.

Riley did, however, send an odd text message to The Miami Herald, reading:

"SADDDDDDD!!!! SO saddddddd! I will never forget the sixth game in Dallas in 2006. DW rebounded the ball, and threw it to the heavens and the Heat universe was perfect for that moment. Our first world championship. Our universe is not perfect today. It will be fraught with anger, judgment, blame instead of THANK YOU!!! Ten years ago. Ten years older. Ten years wiser. Ten years changed. All of us. Dwyane had a choice, and he made it. He went home. Bad, bad summer for us. But there will be another 10 years, and it will be someone or something else in 2026. Move on with no blood or tears. Just thanks. I truly loved Dwyane, but families grow, change and get on with another life. He will always be a part of us. ALWAYS! And no more bruises and enough fighting. Let's just fly above it if we can and never forget. I feel his pain and pride for what pushed him over the ledge. Been there. Forever, for always, your coach I will be. FOREVER!"

Miami Heat owner Micky Arison also sort of expressed his appreciation, though in no more than 140 characters. 

Unlike his former employers, Wade has not been shy in showing his gratitude for the city where he built his Hall-of-Fame career. 

Thursday morning he guest-hosted "Live with Kelly" and gave a heartfelt thanks to Heat fans for their support.

"We call it Heat Nation, just around the world, just by the way they embrace me," he said. "We did some special things together."

Bulls fans are hoping Wade continues to do special things in Chicago.

Wade left Miami with one final Twitter good-bye:

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Follow Axel Boada on Twitter @axelboada.