Wade's World hits Chicago

While Michael Jordan helps legitimize the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass., Miami Heat star and likely 2010 free agent Dwyane Wade has put together an entire weekend of charitable events in Chicago.

The third annual Wade's World Weekend began on Thursday and features a dozen different events, from a talent show at Millenium Park on Saturday (is Oprah's stage still available?) to a bowling party, a school supply giveaway and the "Wade's World Youth Summit" at UIC where Wade and others will discuss issues faced by Chicago teens.

This is just another example that Wade's love for his hometown - he grew up in Southwest Suburban Robbins and attended Richards High School - is enormous, along with his generosity.

Of course, Bulls fans will wonder if this means Wade will be ready to return home when he becomes a free agent in 2010. Not necessarily.

The process seems pretty straightforward. Most NBA superstars don't change teams in free agency, so if things go well in Miami this season, Wade is likely to stay put and try to convince fellow 2010 free agents Chris Bosh or Carlos Boozer to join him with the Heat.

If the Heat struggles this season or if Wade starts to wear down trying to carry the entire team on his back, he'll consider leaving. Chicago is the most likely destination if he does decide to switch teams. Why wouldn't it be? The Bulls already have a future star on board in Derrick Rose, will have cap room to spend and if things go really well, they might be able to swing a trade for Bosh or Boozer. We'll just have to wait and see how the season plays out.

Wade skips predictions
Wade talked a little about his future plans during an appearance on WMVP's "Waddle and Silvy Show" this week, but didn't make any predictions.

Asked if the Bulls would be his No. 1 destination should he leave Miami next year, Wade replied, "If I disclose that kind of information, the articles this season aren't as exciting anymore. Speculation is not the same. You guys ain't going to have nothing to talk about me."

Then asked what would keep him Miami, Wade provided this answer: "Well, first of all I love the organization. I love what it stands for, from the owner Mickey Arison on down. It's a first class organization. We've had some good times in Miami. I love the weather. It's become home for me for the past six years. Hey, it's not my fault Miami drafted me at No. 5 (in 2003) and Chicago did not move up (from No. 7)."

Iverson deal may work for Grizzlies
The biggest news elsewhere in the NBA this week was Allen Iverson agreeing to sign a one-year deal with Memphis worth a reported $3.5 million.

I'm not sure Iverson had any other concrete offers. The Heat, Bobcats and Clippers were mentioned as potential destinations, but nothing seemed realistic. So his only alternative to joining the Grizzlies was waiting around to see if a team got interested at some point during the season.

Iverson may take some shots away from second-year guard O.J. Mayo, but I think he'll turn out to be a decent addition. He'll never be known as much of a team player, but Iverson has always been tough and productive during his 14 NBA seasons and he should be anxious to post better results than he did in Detroit last season.

Now if only the Grizzlies could rescind their acquisition of Zach Randolph earlier this season, I'd feel good about their team. As it stands now, their chemistry seems toxic.