Career Timeline of Dwyane Wade: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Dwyane Wade, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Dwyane Wade is a retired American professional basketball player, primarily known for his time with the Miami Heat. Considered one of the greatest shooting guards in NBA history, he won three NBA championships with the Heat. A 13-time NBA All-Star, eight-time All-NBA Team member, and three-time All-Defensive Team member, Wade holds numerous Miami Heat franchise records, including points, games played, assists, and steals. He currently hosts the American version of The Cube.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1977: Marquette's Last Final Four Appearance

Dwyane Wade delivered 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists as Marquette advanced to the Final Four for the first time since 1977.

2003: Drafted by Miami Heat

In 2003, Dwyane Wade was drafted fifth overall in the NBA draft by the Miami Heat after a successful college basketball career with the Marquette Golden Eagles.

2003: Selected in NBA Draft

In 2003, Dwyane Wade was selected fifth in the NBA draft by the Miami Heat, becoming the highest ranked of only four Marquette first round draft picks.

2005: Elected to All-Star Game

In the 2005-06 season, Dwyane Wade was elected to the All-Star Game as a starter.

2006: NBA Finals Victory and MVP Award

During the 2006 NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks, Dwyane Wade's outstanding performance helped the Heat win the series 4-2, earning him the Finals MVP trophy.

2006: All-Star Game

During the 2006-07 season, Wade was elected to his third consecutive All-Star Game and received All-NBA honors.

2006: NBA Finals MVP

In 2006, Dwyane Wade led the Miami Heat to their first NBA Championship and was named the NBA Finals MVP.

November 14, 2007: Season Start

After missing the Tournament of Americas' Olympic Qualifiers, the preseason, and the first seven games, Dwyane Wade began the 2007–08 season on November 14, 2007.

May 2008: Wade purchases church for mother's ministry

In May 2008, Dwyane Wade purchased a church building in Chicago for his mother's ministry, the Temple of Praise Binding and Loosing Ministry.

2008: Summer Olympics Gold Medal

During the 2008 Summer Olympics, Dwyane Wade led the United States men's basketball team in scoring and helped them capture the gold medal.

2010: Best Playoff Percentage Since 2010

Wade averaged 19.1 points on 52 percent shooting, his best playoff percentage since 2010. The Heat lost to the San Antonio Spurs in the 2014 NBA Finals in five games.

2011: First NBA Finals Appearance with Miami Heat

In 2011, Dwyane Wade, along with LeBron James and Chris Bosh, helped guide the Miami Heat to the first of four consecutive NBA Finals appearances.

March 10, 2012: Game-Winning Shot

On March 10, 2012, Dwyane Wade made the game-winning shot against the Indiana Pacers, securing a 93–91 overtime victory for the Heat.

2012: NBA Championship

In 2012, Dwyane Wade, along with LeBron James and Chris Bosh, won the first of back-to-back NBA championships with the Miami Heat.

2013: Second NBA Championship

In 2013, Dwyane Wade, along with LeBron James and Chris Bosh, secured their second consecutive NBA championship with the Miami Heat.

June 28, 2014: Wade, James, and Bosh opt out of contracts

On June 28, 2014, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh all opted out of their contracts with the Miami Heat with the intention to re-sign. However, James later announced his return to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Wade and Bosh re-signed with the Heat, along with Udonis Haslem, Chris Andersen, and Mario Chalmers, and former rivals Danny Granger and Luol Deng joined the team.

2014: Fourth Consecutive NBA Finals Appearance

In 2014, Dwyane Wade, alongside LeBron James and Chris Bosh, reached their fourth consecutive NBA Finals with the Miami Heat.

2014: Fourth Straight NBA Finals

In the 2013-14 season, the Heat won the series in six games, advancing to their fourth straight NBA Finals. Wade averaged 19 points and posted a career-high 54% field goal percentage.

June 29, 2015: Wade opts out and signs a one-year contract

On June 29, 2015, Dwyane Wade opted out of his contract with the Miami Heat but then signed a one-year, $20 million contract.

July 2016: Wade joins the Chicago Bulls

In July 2016, Dwyane Wade joined his hometown team, the Chicago Bulls, on a two-year deal worth approximately $47 million after feeling that the Miami Heat's offers were unacceptable.

July 2016: Departure from Miami Heat

In July 2016, Dwyane Wade left the Miami Heat to play for the Chicago Bulls.

November 4, 2016: Wade Scores 35 Points Against Knicks

On November 4, 2016, Dwyane Wade scored a game-high 35 points and grabbed 10 rebounds during a 117–104 loss against the New York Knicks.

September 24, 2017: Bulls Reach Buyout Agreement with Wade

On September 24, 2017, the Chicago Bulls reached an agreement on a buyout with Dwyane Wade, three months after trading Jimmy Butler and waiving Rajon Rondo.

February 8, 2018: Cavaliers trade Wade back to the Heat

On February 8, 2018, at the NBA trade deadline, the Cavaliers, after overhauling their roster, traded Dwyane Wade back to the Miami Heat in exchange for a protected 2024 second-round draft pick.

February 2018: Return to Miami Heat

In February 2018, Dwyane Wade was traded back to the Miami Heat, where he would finish his playing career.

2019: Retirement from NBA

In 2019, Dwyane Wade officially retired from professional basketball.

2020: Miami Heat Jersey Retirement

In 2020, the Miami Heat retired Dwyane Wade's #3 jersey, honoring his contributions to the team.

April 16, 2021: Wade Purchases Minority Stake in Utah Jazz

On April 16, 2021, it was announced that Dwyane Wade had purchased an undisclosed minority ownership stake in the Utah Jazz franchise of the NBA, joining an ownership group led by Ryan Smith.