Dwyane Wade finally signs with Bulls

Nine days after receiving the verbal commitment that shocked the NBA and four days after taking their free-agent prize to dinner in Chicago, the Bulls made it official Friday night when they announced the signing of Dwyane Wade.

"We are thrilled that Dwyane has decided to come to Chicago," general manager Gar Forman said of the 12-time All-Star in a statement. "

… He provides a great veteran perspective on the court and in the locker room. He will be a tremendous fit with our team."

Wade signed a two-year, $47.5 million deal that contains a player option he can exercise next summer. His signing continues a dramatic roster overhaul that began with the June 22 trade of Derrick Rose to the Knicks and continued with the free-agent departures of Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol and the trade of Mike Dunleavy.

Dunleavy's move helped create the salary cap space needed to sign Wade, who joins fellow free-agent signee Rajon Rondo on a new-look roster that also features first-round pick Denzel Valentine. Two-time All-Star Jimmy Butler, who will shift back to small forward for Wade's arrival, remains a centerpiece.

Executive vice president John Paxson tried to trade up for Wade in the 2003 draft. Wade also flirted with the Bulls in 2010 free agency. The Richards High product finally picked his hometown franchise when he rejected the Heat's two-year $41 million deal after years of taking lesser deals for other signings.

In fact, his 14th season in 2016-17 will mark the first time Wade is the highest-paid player on his team.

"I can't tell you how good that sounds and feels," Wade said after calling himself a Bull in a video message the team released. "I'm excited to play in a place I've always envisioned playing in, play in a city I was born and raised in. I'm excited to hear your guys' cheers and support behind this organization and team. I can't wait for what the future holds for us. I think it's going to be real fun."