Big Three (Miami Heat)

The Big Three
LeBron James
Dwyane Wade
Chris Bosh

The Big Three, sometimes known as The Heatles, were a trio of professional basketball players – LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh – who played for the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 2010 to 2014. All three players were selected within the first five picks of the 2003 NBA draft, and became scoring leaders for their respective franchises over their first seven seasons.

History

After re-signing Wade following the 2009–10 season, the Heat secured the signings of both Bosh and James in free agency, with the latter being announced in the television special The Decision. The trio led the Heat to the NBA Finals in each of their four seasons together, and won back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013. After losing the Finals the following season, James opted out of a contract extension, and returned to play for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Aftermath

Both Wade and Bosh continued to play for the Heat for two additional seasons after James' departure, before Wade departed Miami and signed with the Chicago Bulls, while Bosh ultimately retired due to medical reasons. On September 27, 2017, Wade signed a one-year contract with the Cavaliers, reuniting him with James.[1] On February 8, 2018, at the NBA trade deadline, the Cavaliers traded Wade back to the Miami Heat in exchange for a protected 2024 second-round draft pick. On September 16, 2018, Wade announced his plan to retire from the NBA effective after the 2018-19 season and Chris Bosh officially announced his retirement on February 12, 2019 in his Miami Heat jersey retirement ceremony.

Legacy

The trio have been credited with having a dramatic influence on the NBA, specifically relating to team development and general management. Many teams in subsequent seasons have sought to adopt the "Big Three" model of courting established NBA superstars to their franchises, in order to win championships.[2]

References
  1. http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/20839399/dwyane-wade-clears-waivers-signs-cleveland-cavaliers
  2. Friel, Jon (August 23, 2012). "How the Miami Heat 'Big 3' Blueprint Changed the NBA". BleacherReport.com. Retrieved June 1, 2017.
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