Photo: Cleveland Cavaliers/YouTube

Dean Wade revealed that the Philadelphia 76ers made him a priority immediately in free agency before he agreed to a four-year, $38.7 million contract with the team.

“The 76ers were super interested as soon as they could start talking with me in free agency,” Wade told ClutchPoints. “Mike and those guys were calling me non-stop during the first five hours or so of free agency, and that told me everything I needed to know about how much they valued me.”

Wade specifically pointed to his relationship with Philadelphia president of basketball operations Mike Gansey as an important factor in his decision. Gansey had previously worked with Wade in Cleveland and continued to show confidence in the forward.

“Having Mike, someone who has always believed in me and supported me, goes a long way,” Wade said.

The basketball fit was equally important for Wade, who wanted to join a team capable of competing for a championship. Philadelphia entered the offseason looking to reshape its roster after a 45-37 season and a first-round playoff series victory over Boston before being swept by the eventual champion New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

“As far as basketball goes, I wanted to go somewhere that was ready to compete and be a title-contending team,” Wade said.

Wade said the subsequent additions of Jaylen Brown and LeBron James reinforced his decision to join Philadelphia. The 76ers acquired Brown from the Boston Celtics in exchange for Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks before signing James to a two-year minimum contract.

“As soon as I made my decision, Jaylen (Brown) was traded here, and then LeBron (James) joined on as well. That immediately let me know I made the right decision,” Wade said.

Leaving Cleveland was nevertheless difficult for Wade after spending his entire seven-year NBA career with the Cavaliers. He admitted there was a part of him that wanted to return because of the relationships and personal history he had developed there.

“Yeah, absolutely. I was so comfortable there. A lot of my life happened in Cleveland,” Wade said. “There was definitely that feeling, but overall, I knew it was time to move on and see what else was out there.”

Wade enters Philadelphia after averaging 5.8 points and 4.2 rebounds in 59 games for Cleveland during the 2025-26 season. He played 22.3 minutes per game and shot 43.9% from the field and 36.2% from three-point range.

His three-point shooting has become an important part of his offensive profile. Wade shot 39.1% from three in 2023-24 before making 36.0% in 2024-25 and 36.2% last season.

The 29-year-old is already preparing for a different offensive role in Philadelphia. With Brown, James and Tyrese Maxey capable of creating advantages, Wade expects to operate frequently as a decision-maker after defensive rotations.

“Everything has been about decision-making, especially in the paint,” Wade said. He emphasized reading defenses and creating 4-on-3 or 3-on-2 situations when defenders commit to the team’s primary playmakers.

Wade is also focused on maintaining his physical profile, saying he prefers to remain between 230 and 235 pounds so he can preserve his lateral movement defensively. He said he has spent the offseason getting stronger while reducing body fat without adding significant weight.

Philadelphia’s new core now features Brown, Joel Embiid, Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, with James providing another veteran playmaker. Wade’s ability to defend, shoot and make quick decisions could give the 76ers another complementary piece around their high-usage stars.