James hopes Wade will join Cavs

AFP

LeBron James is hopeful Dwyane Wade will join the Cleveland Cavaliers after he secured his buyout from the Chicago Bulls.

The 35-year-old guard bought out his contract with the Bulls on Sunday, and is now poised to listen to offers from a string of potential suitors.

Wade passed up around US$8 million in salary to obtain the buyout, according to ESPN.

Wade is a former teammate of James from their time at the Miami Heat — and the Cleveland star is enthusiastic about a possible reunion.

"I would love to have D-Wade a part of this team," James told reporters on Monday.

"I think he brings another championship DNA, championship pedigree. He brings another playmaker to the team who can get guys involved, and make plays, and also just has a great basketball mind.

"I think it would be great to have him here... I hope that we can bring him here. I would love to have him."

As well as the Cavaliers, Wade is also being courted by the San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder, according to reports. Wade is also a close friend of Carmelo Anthony, who wrapped up his move to Oklahoma City on Monday, cementing a blockbuster trade after seven seasons with the New York Knicks.

Anthony, 33, will form part of a new-look Thunder roster which has also been bolstered by the arrival of Paul George from the Indiana Pacers during the close season.

In return for Anthony, the Knicks will get center Enes Kanter, forward Doug McDermott and a second round 2018 draft pick.

The deal emerged on Saturday after Anthony agreed to waive his no-trade clause.

"We are thrilled to welcome Carmelo to Oklahoma City and the Thunder organization," Thunder general manager Sam Presti said in a statement.

"In addition to his skill level, experience, and unique talents, Carmelo is another high character, professional player for our roster."

976 career games

Anthony, a 10-time All-Star and 14-year NBA veteran, heads to the Thunder after 976 career games in which he has averaged 24.8 points per game.

Knicks president Steve Mills thanked Anthony for his stint in New York.

"This is a deal we feel works for both this franchise and Carmelo," Mills said. "We thank him for his seven seasons in a Knicks uniform and all that he accomplished off the court for the City of New York by using his platform to address social issues."

Anthony meanwhile penned an open letter to Knicks fans on his website, thanking them for supporting him "through thick and thin".

Anthony is expected to be a key part of a revamped Thunder team which includes MVP Russell Westbrook as well as George.

Anthony said on Monday a desire to play alongside Westbrook was behind his move.

"He was a big part, he was big reason why I wanted to come here," Anthony said of Westbrook.

"To see his loyalty to the city, to this organization, what he was able to do on the court, I wanted to be a part of that. Adding PG (Paul George) was just another reason why I wanted to come here."

Both Westbrook and George reportedly had a role in persuading Anthony to join the Western Conference side.

George told USA Today he had had formed a friendship with Anthony during spells on international duty with the United States national team, and believed the trio could form a side capable of winning titles.

"This feels like a championship team," George said.

"I'm in a good place. I know Russ (Westbrook) is in a good place. Melo is motivated more than ever. You put us three together who all have something to prove still and we're going to be a special team."