TOM WITHERS, AP Sports Writer

CLEVELAND (AP) — Dwyane Wade says he is heading to the Cleveland Cavaliers and that LeBron James is a big reason why.

Wade made it official on Wednesday, saying he picked the Cavaliers for a one-year, $2.3 million deal. It was finalized shortly after Wade cleared waivers, a necessary step following his buyout agreement struck with the Chicago Bulls over the weekend.

Wade says Cleveland “believes in my talents and what I can bring to a championship contender both as a player and leader.”

Wade and James spent four seasons together with the Miami Heat, winning two championships and making the Finals four times as a duo as devastating as any in league history.

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AP Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds in Miami contributed to this report.

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