Photo: Peter Baba

Dwyane Wade believes LeBron James made the right decision when he left the Miami Heat and returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014, arguing that the move was an important part of his longtime friend’s basketball legacy.

Wade explained that teaming up with James in Miami was never something he had envisioned early in his career.

Before becoming teammates, the two stars developed one of the league’s most compelling rivalries and regularly pushed each other on the court.

“I never even thought me and LeBron would be teammates, first of all. It was never a dream of mine. I loved when we played against each other. We went at each other.”

Although the pair went on to win two championships together with the Heat, Wade said he fully supported James when he decided to leave and return to his hometown franchise.

“When we got an opportunity to do that, it was special. When he was ready to go back home, he got my blessing 100%.”

According to Wade, winning a title in Cleveland carried a significance that extended beyond basketball and was necessary for James’ overall legacy.

“He needed to go back home and win a championship for his city. A part of his legacy, he needed that. It wouldn’t have been enough just winning in Miami.”

James ultimately delivered Cleveland’s first NBA championship in 2016, overcoming a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors and securing the title many believe defined his career.