When Dwyane Wade vetoed Allen Iverson’s arrival to the Heat in 2006.

A little less than twenty years ago, in 2006, a young woman Dwiane Wade became an NBA superstar by leading the Heat to their first ring in the legendary individual finals against the Mavericks.

A few weeks later, “Flash” could be surrounded by another legend of the league, he assured on Saturday on the Prime Video set. Dwiane Wade explained that he was informed immediately after the title that the Florida franchise was in talks to comeAllen Iverson. A transfer he confirmed… before changing his mind.

It all starts with the anecdote he mentions Udonis Haslemhis former teammate also a consultant for Prime Video. On Friday, December 5, the former interior player “wins” the right to ask any question to an NBA player, who is then forced to answer completely honestly.

« Question for Dwyane Wade: Did the Miami Heat talk to you when they were about to trade me to Philly for Allen Iverson, did you know? » Reunited on stage Saturday during the NBA Cup semifinals, the former guard was able to give his answer. Even before the Big Three with LeBron James etc Chris Bosh a few seasons later, another almost happened in South Beach.

« I received a call “from Pat Rileysays Dwiane Wade. ” I spoke one on one with ‘Riles’ about this. It happened something like this. Riley talked to me about Allen Iverson’s return. And he is one of my favorite players, I love him. I was like, ‘Do you want to laugh? Let’s do it!’ Riley asked me ‘Are you up for it?’ I said I was ready for it. Then he told me, ‘We’re going to have to trade UD (Udonis Haslem)’. Then I said: ‘Without me’. »

Udonis Haslem, point guard De Dviane Wada

Very close on and off the court, Dwiane Wade saw in Udonis Haslem a teammate he could always count on to have his back. The domestic duty and undisputed racket holder next to Shaquille O’Neal, a player who began his professional career in Chalons-sur-Saône, enjoyed acting as his young star’s bodyguard. ” That’s my guy! “, exclaimed Udon Haslem. So every time someone came to knock him down, who came right behind him and made sure he ended up on the ground too? » « I love AI, but he wouldn’t come to my defense » continued Dviane Wade. ” He didn’t want to fight for me. He didn’t want to take the punishment for me. I’ll stay with my guy, keep him here.»

Had history proved him partially correct, with Iverson finally shipped off to Denver a few months later at the inglorious end of his career, the prospect of a Wade-Iverson-O’Neal trio would have been a minor earthquake for the NBA in 2006. But the Heat and Pat Riley stayed wise in the end.

« As soon as Pat Riley gets involved in a transfer, it’s always on the verge of happening » laughed Dwiane Wade about how close the trade was to becoming a reality.

« Especially for big fish » added Udonis Haslem. ” We needed a trade and trading Iverson sounded great until the heart and soul of the team had to go » continued Dviane Wade. ” And that won’t happen. Allen, I love you, but not as much as I love my brother. »

https://vvv.youtube.com/vatch?v=vfTjmN2kkVk

Without this move or other important moves, the Heat failed to stay atop the NBA, sinking to 15 wins two years after the title when an aging Shaquille O’Neal was shipped to Phoenix.

We had to wait until 2010 and the signing of LeBron James to restart a new virtuous cycle for the Wade-Haslem duo. Dwyane Wade and Allen Iverson finally reunited in 2023, when the three-time NBA champion was inducted into the Hall of Fame by his former idol, from whom he borrowed No. 3.