There was a time when former Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade almost teamed up with a former NBA MVP. During Wade’s time in the league, he had the chance to team up with some of the best players in Miami. He played with Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron James and Chris Bosh while in his prime. However, Allen Iverson was almost part of the illustrious list.
Iverson was one of the best players of his generation, changing and leaving a lasting legacy in basketball culture. Along with NBA greats Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash, he participated in the historic 1996 draft and was selected with the first overall pick. Wade himself opposed the trade that would have allowed the Philadelphia 76ers legend to play for the Heat.
The former NBA player discussed his relationship with the company during an appearance on “NBA on Prime.” Wade revealed that the Heat had to give up Udonis Haslem to acquire Iverson.
“I had a one-on-one with Riles about it,” Wade said. “It went a little like this: Riles wanted to talk to me about the possibility of of trading for Allen Iverson. That’s one of my favorite players and I love him. I was like, ‘Bet! Let’s do it.’ He said, ‘You in?’ I said, ‘I’m in.’”
“He said, ‘We had to trade UD.’ I said, ‘I’m out.’ That was it. I was out.”
In Wade’s defense, he didn’t think Iverson would be the same caliber of teammate as Haslem. The three-time NBA champion did most of the dirty work for the Heat’s all-time franchise player. He asserted physicality and protected his teammates in certain situations.
Dwyane Wade thought that the Heat wouldn’t have their enforcer if they have to acquire Iverson.
Dwyane Wade reflected on LeBron James’ 23rd NBA season
Most of the star players who have played with Dwyane Wade are retired. LeBron James and Jimmy Butler are the only elite athletes still playing. It’s understandable that Butler is still going strong this season, since he was drafted in 2011. What’s surprising is James’ situation, because he was part of the 2003 draft, the same year Wade was welcomed into the league.
On Saturday, Wade had a moment to reflect on his former co-star’s career.
“Everybody doesn’t get the opportunity to have the blessing, to have the health and all the things that LeBron has had,” Wade said. “The one thing I love about him is that he hasn’t taken one moment for granted. Some people take their time for granted, but LeBron has maximized it.”
Talking to Dwyane Wade about Chris Paul getting traded by the Clippers, the impact that will have on the Clippers signing free agents in the future and what it’s like watching LeBron James doing what he’s doing in his 23rd NBA season. pic.twitter.com/kaJLQltq7Y
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) December 13, 2025
James is still going strong and hasn’t announced his retirement plans. Although he has touched on the subject in the past.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
