Dwyane Wade, the former NBA superstar, has recently opened up about his decision to leave the Miami Heat and move to Chicago back in 2016. In his new memoir, “D. Wade: Life Unexpected,” Wade details the various reasons that led him to leave Miami, but one of the main factors was the lack of acceptance his family faced in the city.

Wade, who grew up in the Chicago area, signed a two-year deal with the Bulls in 2016 after spending 13 seasons with the Miami Heat. In his book, he revealed that he had considered returning to his hometown for years, but it was the challenges his family faced in Miami that pushed him to make the move.

Wade’s wife, Gabrielle Union, had publicly spoken about the discrimination and racism their family experienced in Miami. She spoke about being judged for being a Black woman and for having a blended family with Wade, who has three children from previous relationships.

In an interview with USA Today, Wade said, “It wasn’t just the Black and white thing, it was the fact that my family wasn’t accepted. That was the biggest thing. This is my wife, and these are my kids. This is my family. To not have that feeling of acceptance, it was tough.”

Wade also spoke about the challenges of being a Black man in America and the impact it had on him and his family. He talked about the fear he felt when his sons started driving and the conversations he had to have with them about how to interact with police officers. He also opened up about the loss of his cousin, Nykea Aldridge, who was shot and killed in Chicago in 2016.

Wade’s decision to leave Miami was met with mixed reactions from fans and the media. Some questioned his loyalty to the Heat, where he won three NBA championships, while others praised him for putting his family first.

In the book, Wade reflects on the decision, saying, “I wasn’t just leaving the Heat, I was leaving Miami. I was leaving my home. But sometimes you have to leave what you know to find what you need.”

Wade’s memoir has received widespread praise for its candid and honest portrayal of his life and career. It provides a unique insight into the challenges faced by professional athletes and their families, particularly those of color.

The book also touches on other topics, including Wade’s upbringing in Chicago, his rise to stardom in the NBA, and his relationships with fellow players and coaches. It is a must-read for fans of Wade and the NBA, as well as those interested in the experiences of Black athletes in America.

Overall, Wade’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of family and the impact of discrimination and racism on individuals and communities. It also highlights the courage it takes to speak out and make difficult decisions, even when faced with criticism and backlash.

As Wade said in the interview, “We have a voice, and sometimes we need to use it to speak up for ourselves and for those who can’t speak for themselves.”