Chris Bosh returning to Miami Heat; Bulls interested in Dwyane Wade

Chris Bosh said all along that he wanted to stay with the Miami Heat, and the departure of LeBron James did not lead to a change of heart.

Bosh agreed Friday to a five-year contract worth about $118 million, two people familiar with the situation told the Associated Press. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because neither the team nor Bosh had publicly announced the deal.

It’s also unclear when Bosh will actually sign the contract. He’s expected to be in Ghana until next week.

So now, the “Big 3” — who officially broke up earlier Friday when James announced he was leaving the Heat for a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers — are looking to become at least the “Big 2.” The Heat are continuing to negotiate with Dwyane Wade, the other member of what was the star triumverate that led Miami to the NBA Finals in each of the last four seasons, winning two titles.

Keeping Bosh was a huge part of Miami’s immediate reaction plan after learning that James was leaving. He’s an All-Star who averaged 16.2 points on 52 percent shooting last season, and now figures to potentially get many more shots in the Heat offensive scheme.

For his career, Bosh has averaged 19.2 points in 11 NBA seasons.

Bulls interested in hometown hero Wade

The Chicago Bulls again have reached out to register interest in Dwyane Wade, according to Yahoo Sports.

Wade opted out of the final two years and $42 million of his contract with the Heat. But with James leaving for Cleveland, Wade’s future is in doubt.

The Bulls had two face-to-face meetings with Wade in 2010 before he chose to re-sign with the Heat.

ETC.

The Atlanta Hawks have requested waivers on forward John Salmons. The move was expected after the Hawks acquired Salmons from Toronto last week. Atlanta dealt away guard Lou Williams and the rights to Brazilian center Lucas Nogueira in a move to clear space under the salary cap. By paying the $1-million buyout of Salmons’ $7-million salary, the Hawks will have about $11.5 million for additional signings. ...

The Indiana Pacers, two-time Eastern Conference runner-ups, announced they had signed three free agents: backup big man Lavoy Allen, swingman C.J. Miles and Damjan Rudez, a sharp-shooting forward from Europe. ... The Sacramento Kings have agreed to a sign-and-trade with Phoenix for guard Isaiah Thomas, the Sacramento Bee reported through a league source. In exchange the Kings will receive a $7-million trade exception in the deal along with the draft rights to Alex Oriakh, a 6-foot-9 power forward who was a second round pick of the Suns in 2013.