All that speculation about Dwyane Wade getting a contract buyout from the Bulls might be just talk.
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The 35-year-old guard recently took his player's option for the final year of his contract, worth $23.8 million.
While some feel it makes sense for the rebuilding Bulls to buy him out, coach Fred Hoiberg told ESPN Monday, "As of right now, no. I don't see that."
Wade averaged 18.3 points per game last season but shot a career-low .434 from the field. Yet Hoiberg said he expects Wade will play an integral role this season in terms of leadership as Chicago begins the post-Jimmy Butler era.
"Dwyane, he's going to have an important role on this team as a mentor," Hoiberg said. "He's going to obviously play for us and hopefully play well. And take the role of leadership; it's going to be very important with him."
According to ESPN, the odds are "very high" Wade will finish next season in Chicago, but buyout talks could surface later.