Nov 17, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (left) and guard Dwyane Wade (3) prior to the game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
With Chicago Bulls stars Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade forming quite the bromance during the 2016-17 NBA season, here are four of their best moments together.
Dwyane Wade joining the Chicago Bulls accomplished more than just adding a big name to the organization's roster. For one, it also gave the city a new hometown hero, a void left behind after Derrick Rose was traded to the New York Knicks. The NBA superstar also provided the team an average of 18.3 points a game, a welcome offensive boost.
And of course, Wade's arrival signified the start of a new bromance.
While fans may still hold onto their fond memories of the love between Rose and best friend Joakim Noah, there is a new dynamic duo in town — Jimmy Butler and Wade.
This friendship was a long time coming too.
Last July, Butler was candid in the fact that he hoped Wade would join him, regardless of the role he wanted to take on. As he told Comcast Sportsnet Chicago's Vincent Goodwill:
"I said look man, I'm okay with whatever role you want me to play. But we can win games if you're here with us. So that's basically how it went. I was telling him, of all the things that have been said, I'm here to win. I don't care what role I'm supposed to play, whose team it is, you come here, we'll win games."
Now perhaps the Bulls did not exactly have the type of season Butler envisioned. But they did make the playoffs, a first under head coach Fred Hoiberg.
And you better believe the two of them still had plenty of memorable moments to look back on.
Jan 7, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade (3) dunks the ball as Toronto Raptors center Lucas Nogueira (92) defends during the second half at the United Center. The Bulls won 123-118 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Marquette is in the house
It should have been clear from the get-go that Butler and Wade would get along. After all, they both went to Marquette University.
Wade spent two seasons there (2001-03) and averaged 19.7 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game before becoming the No. 5 overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft. The Miami Heat scooped him up and the rest is history.
Butler, on the other hand, spent three years there (2008-11) and averaged 12.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists per contest. He was the No. 30 overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft and has remained in Chicago ever since.
The Marquette alums may not have spent time together on the court in college, but on Jan. 7, they connected on the United Center floor in a big way.
Not too shabby for a 35-year-old, eh?
Jan 24, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) works out prior to the game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Caption this
Butler has made a handful of hilarious expressions over the years — some of which have been turned into viral memes, others that immediately took over NBA Twitter. But perhaps none have been quite as funny as this…
While engaged in a conversation with Wade, Butler seemingly went through a series of emotions that left fans in stitches.
And prompted everyone to make up their own captions.
"A live look at Butler hearing those Boston Celtics trade rumors."
"When you're down and out then suddenly remember who you are."
"When you don't have a valentine but remember how much money you saved."
The question is, what did Wade actually say to warrant this type of reaction from Butler?
Mar 21, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Chicago Bulls assistant coach Peter Myers and forward Jimmy Butler (21) laugh during a break in the action against the Toronto Raptors at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Chicago 122-120 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Off the invite list
Butler landed himself in hot water with Wade's wife, actress Gabrielle Union, after a viral video made its way around social media.
While on the bench next to Wade, Butler was captured making conversation with someone across from him, and then pointing to his teammate. Never a dull moment on social media, Gustavo Vega created a vine out of it:
When Your Trying To Hook Up Your Boy With Girls At The Club https://t.co/w1ovOFLL1e
— Gustavo Vega (@iamvega1982) December 20, 2016
Of course, Union decided to have some fun with it and fired back on Twitter herself.
???? ???? ????… crosses Jimmy off the BBQ list https://t.co/pNF5lUZALy
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) December 20, 2016
Now at the time, it was unclear what Butler was really talking about. But the 27-year-old eventually set the record straight.
Apparently Butler should expect an invite to the next Union-Wade BBQ, after all.
Apr 16, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) drives around Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) during the third quarter in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Like LeBron James
It is no secret how close Wade and LeBron James are. Even before playing together in South Beach. Despite James leaving him behind to go back to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Regardless of the rivalry between the Bulls and the Cavaliers.
So for Wade to liken anyone to the King is a pretty big deal.
However, after Butler's 30-point performance against Boston in Game 1, Wade did just that.
"I had the luxury of playing with a guy named LeBron," Wade told ESPN's Nick Friedell regarding Butler going off against Isaiah Thomas. "And we did the same thing when we played — to Derrick Rose. You have a point guard who guards him but when you need a guy who's longer, who's just as fast, and all those things, it helps. It gives them a different look, it kind of throws off things."
And when asked what kind of guy could not only score 30 points but also slow down a player with 30 himself? Wade put Butler in the best company.
"As I sit here, obviously Jimmy, Paul [George], Kawhi [Leonard], Draymond [Green], Bron. I'm sure I'm leaving somebody out. Avery Bradley's a great defender. He's not as tall as those guys, but he's a great defender. Patrick Beverley's a great defender. Obviously he's not guarding 4-men … there's some guys that really get after it. We have the luxury of having one."
Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that Wade and Butler will continue playing together moving forward. While most expect Wade to opt-in for another year in Chicago because it comes with a $24 million price tag, no one knows what the veteran will do just yet.
Nevertheless, the bromance will certainly live on.
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