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Wade enjoying post-career mentor role, but 'never say never' on return

Nathaniel S. Butler / National Basketball Association / Getty

Last summer, Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade announced the 2018-19 campaign would be his last after 16 Hall of Fame-caliber seasons. The legendary two-guard gave the Heat faithful some memorable moments despite his failure to make the playoffs for just the third time of his illustrious career.

The now-retired Wade admits he's enjoying his post-basketball life in Los Angeles but jokingly hints that a possible return is never out of the question.

"I'm done, but my trainer is going to keep me in shape just in case something happens," Wade said, according to the Los Angeles Times' Arash Markazi. "I'm going to stay in shape because you never know. Never say never."

Though it's unlikely that Wade returns after spending an entire year swapping his jersey with opponents and hashtagging "one last dance" on every social media post, the three-time NBA champion remains in shape as he continues to mentor young stars.

"The cool thing is I have a great relationship with all the players," Wade said. "It's already something I do. I've been working out in the gym with guys like Ben Simmons and Josh Hart this summer in L.A. I'm able to pass my knowledge down to them, so it's not necessary for me to have an official role with a team to do that. I love the game of basketball, and any time I can get in the gym with one of these younger players, I'm going to do it no matter what."

As for his close relationship with Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James, Wade adds that he'll be in the Lakers' training facility practicing alongside the four-time MVP.

"You're definitely going to see me out there," Wade said. "I'll be there early to work out with LeBron before the game starts. I just want to stay around it and be as involved as I can."

Wade spent the vast majority of his career in Miami as the focal point of one of the NBA's most successful franchises of the past two decades, making 13 All-Star appearances and being named to eight All-NBA teams.

The 37-year-old averaged 15 points, four rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 72 games in his final season.

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