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Dean Wade
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Dean Jackson Wade (born November 20, 1996) is an American professional basketball player for the Cleveland Cavaliers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Kansas State Wildcats.
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Wade was born in Wichita, Kansas, to Jay and Trish Wade. He lived in Inman, Kansas, briefly before moving to St. John at a young age.[1] His mother is a track and volleyball coach at St. John High School in St. John, Kansas, where she led the volleyball team to three state championships.[2] His father was briefly a member of the football team at Kansas State University.[3]
High school career
[edit]Wade played four years of varsity basketball at St. John High School in St. John, Kansas, earning All-State honors for multiple seasons and winning three state championships.[1] As a senior, he was named Parade All-American, along with 29 other players in his class.[4] He was also selected as Mr. Kansas Basketball by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association (KBCA).[5]
College career
[edit]Wade was named to the Big 12 All-Newcomer Team at the conclusion of his freshman season at Kansas State.[1] As a sophomore, he averaged 9.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game.[6] After a breakout junior season, Wade earned first-team All-Big 12 accolades.[7] Wade averaged 16.2 points and 6.2 rebounds per game as a junior.[8] As a senior, Wade averaged 12.9 points and a team-high 6.2 rebounds per game and was named to the first-team All-Big 12. His season was cut short by a foot injury.[9]
Professional career
[edit]Cleveland Cavaliers (2019–present)
[edit]2019–20 season
[edit]
On July 9, 2019, Wade signed a two-way contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers after going undrafted in the 2019 NBA draft.[10] On November 18, Wade made his NBA debut against the New York Knicks, he went scoreless but logged one steal in eight minutes of action.[11] Wade only played 12 games with the Cavaliers during his rookie season, averaging 1.7 points and 1.6 rebounds in six minutes of play.[12][13][14] He spent most of the season with the Cavaliers' G League affiliate, the Canton Charge. In the G League, Wade started in 29 of 30 games, averaging 14.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.4 blocks in 31.1 minutes while shooting 46.1% from the field and 39.9% from 3-point range.[12][13][14]
2020–21 season
[edit]
On July 2, 2020, Wade signed a multi-year deal with the Cavaliers.[14]
On February 23, 2021, Wade made his first NBA career start, logging five points, two rebounds and two assists across 20 minutes in a 112–111 win over the Atlanta Hawks.[15][16] Four days later, Wade scored six points and grabbed a career-high 12 rebounds in 27 minutes of action in a 112–109 victory against the Philadelphia 76ers.[17][18] On March 3, Wade scored a then-career-high 17 points, knocking down five 3-pointers to go along with six rebounds, two assists and one steal across 31 minutes of play in a 114–111 loss to the Indiana Pacers.[19][20] On April 11, Wade scored a career-high 21 points on 8-of-12 field goal shooting and 5-of-8 from three, in addition to six rebounds, two assists and a game-high three steals in 31 minutes of action in a 116–109 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.[21][22][23] On May 10, Wade logged his first career double-double with 19 points and a career-high tying 12 rebounds in a 111–102 loss to the Indiana Pacers.[24][25][26]
2021–22 season
[edit]
After Lauri Markkanen entered the NBA's COVID-19 health and safety protocols, Wade became the starter at the small forward position.[27] On November 18, 2021, Wade logged 17 points on 7-of-13 shooting from the field and 3-of-6 from three, along with nine rebounds and a career-high five assists across a career-high 40 minutes of play in a 104–89 loss to the Golden State Warriors.[28][29][30] On December 15, Wade posted his second career double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds in a 124–89 win over the Houston Rockets.[31][32] With Markkanen being sidelined due to a sprained ankle he sustained in a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 22, 2022, Wade returned to the starting lineup.[33][34][35] On March 28, he was ruled out for the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery on a torn meniscus in his right knee which he sustained on March 12 in a game in Chicago.[36]
2022–23 season
[edit]On June 22, 2022, the Cavaliers announced they exercised their fourth-year team option on Wade, keeping him with the team for another season.[37] On September 26, Wade signed a multi-year contract extension with the team.[38] On October 30, 2022, Wade scored a career high of 22 points shooting 6-of-8 from three versus the New York Knicks.[39] That night, Wade, Kevin Love, and Donovan Mitchell set the NBA record for most three-pointers made by three different teammates in a single game, scoring a total of 22 threes.[40]
2023–24 season
[edit]On March 5, 2024, Wade scored a career-high 23 points, with 20 of them coming in the fourth quarter, spearheading a 22-point comeback win over the Boston Celtics—the largest fourth-quarter comeback in Cavaliers franchise history.[41]
Career statistics
[edit]| GP | Games played | GS | Games started | MPG | Minutes per game |
| FG% | Field goal percentage | 3P% | 3-point field goal percentage | FT% | Free throw percentage |
| RPG | Rebounds per game | APG | Assists per game | SPG | Steals per game |
| BPG | Blocks per game | PPG | Points per game | Bold | Career high |
NBA
[edit]Regular season
[edit]| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–20 | Cleveland | 12 | 0 | 6.0 | .692 | .500 | .000 | 1.6 | .2 | .2 | .3 | 1.7 |
| 2020–21 | Cleveland | 63 | 19 | 19.2 | .431 | .366 | .769 | 3.4 | 1.2 | .6 | .3 | 6.0 |
| 2021–22 | Cleveland | 51 | 28 | 19.2 | .456 | .359 | .667 | 2.9 | 1.0 | .6 | .1 | 5.3 |
| 2022–23 | Cleveland | 44 | 13 | 20.3 | .412 | .354 | .652 | 3.4 | .8 | .6 | .5 | 4.7 |
| 2023–24 | Cleveland | 54 | 32 | 20.5 | .414 | .391 | .769 | 4.0 | .8 | .7 | .5 | 5.4 |
| 2024–25 | Cleveland | 59 | 30 | 21.2 | .413 | .360 | .533 | 4.2 | 1.3 | .7 | .3 | 5.4 |
| Career | 283 | 122 | 19.5 | .428 | .368 | .678 | 3.5 | 1.0 | .6 | .3 | 5.2 | |
Playoffs
[edit]| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Cleveland | 2 | 0 | 5.6 | .000 | .000 | 1.000 | 1.5 | .0 | .0 | .0 | 1.0 |
| 2024 | Cleveland | 3 | 1 | 21.0 | .308 | .300 | — | 2.0 | 1.7 | .3 | .7 | 3.7 |
| 2025 | Cleveland | 9 | 1 | 15.8 | .333 | .214 | — | 4.2 | .7 | .3 | .1 | 1.7 |
| Career | 14 | 2 | 15.4 | .313 | .240 | 1.000 | 3.4 | .8 | .3 | .2 | 2.0 | |
College
[edit]| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–16 | Kansas State | 33 | 31 | 26.4 | .434 | .292 | .656 | 5.1 | 1.1 | .6 | .5 | 9.9 |
| 2016–17 | Kansas State | 35 | 35 | 28.0 | .496 | .402 | .663 | 4.5 | 1.8 | .7 | .7 | 9.3 |
| 2017–18 | Kansas State | 33 | 32 | 32.8 | .550 | .440 | .752 | 6.2 | 2.7 | 1.5 | .8 | 16.2 |
| 2018–19 | Kansas State | 25 | 25 | 30.4 | .492 | .418 | .789 | 6.2 | 2.8 | .8 | .5 | 12.9 |
| Career | 126 | 123 | 29.3 | .498 | .386 | .711 | 5.4 | 2.1 | .9 | .6 | 12.0 | |
Personal life
[edit]Wade graduated with a bachelor's degree in social science.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "Dean Wade". Kansas State Sports. Retrieved March 24, 2018.
- ^ "Dean Wade highlights home town's rich athletic tradition". KWCH-DT. March 22, 2018. Retrieved March 24, 2018.
- ^ Robinett, Kellis (March 16, 2018). "As Dean Wade leads K-State into NCAA Tournament, he's become a Kansas small-town hero". The Wichita Eagle. Retrieved March 24, 2018.
- ^ Robinett, Kellis (June 1, 2015). "Incoming Kansas State freshman Dean Wade named Parade All-American". The Wichita Eagle. Retrieved March 24, 2018.
- ^ "Wade Named Mr. Kansas Basketball". Kansas State Sports. March 30, 2015. Retrieved June 5, 2023.
- ^ "Dean Wade". RealGM. Retrieved March 24, 2018.
- ^ Robinett, Kellis (March 4, 2018). "Kansas State forward Dean Wade makes All-Big 12 first team, Barry Brown lands on second team". The Wichita Eagle. Retrieved March 24, 2018.
- ^ Robinett, Kellis (March 25, 2018). "What are the odds K-State juniors Barry Brown, Dean Wade test NBA Draft waters". The Wichita Eagle. Retrieved May 29, 2018.
- ^ Black, Ryan (March 19, 2019). "K-State senior forward Dean Wade 'doubtful' to play in NCAA Tournament". The Manhattan Mercury. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
- ^ Gold, Matthew (July 9, 2019). "Cavs Sign Dean Wade to Two-Way Contract". NBA.com. Retrieved July 9, 2019.
- ^ "Dean Wade 2019-20 Game Log". Basketball-Reference.com. Retrieved April 3, 2021.
- ^ a b Taylor, Cody (June 29, 2020). "Cavaliers sign rookie Dean Wade to a multi-year NBA contract". The Rookie Wire. Retrieved April 3, 2021.
- ^ a b Russo, Kelsey. "Dean Wade finds confidence in game, makes leap to Cavs after season in G League". The Athletic. Retrieved April 3, 2021.
- ^ a b c Adams, Nick (June 30, 2020). "Cavaliers Sign Dean Wade and Jordan Bell To Multi-Year Contracts". NBA.com. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
- ^ "Hawks' Young snubbed as All-Star, then loses 112-111 to Cavs". AP NEWS. February 24, 2021. Archived from the original on February 24, 2021. Retrieved April 3, 2021.
With several power forwards injured, and center Andre Drummond sitting while the Cavs try to trade him, Bickerstaff started seldom-used Dean Wade, a 24-year-old who played in the G League last year and came in averaging 2.1 points per game. Wade made one of Cleveland's nine 3-pointers in the first half as the Cavs built a 13-point lead. He finished with five points—the 3-pointer and a follow dunk.
- ^ "Atlanta Hawks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Score and Stats - February 23, 2021 Gametracker". CBSSports.com. Archived from the original on April 11, 2021. Retrieved April 3, 2021.
- ^ "Cavaliers' Dean Wade: Grabs career-high 12 rebounds". CBS Sports. February 28, 2021. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
- ^ Schneider, Drew (March 4, 2021). "Kansas State Basketball: Dean Wade Heating Up!". Bring On The Cats. Retrieved April 3, 2021.
- ^ "Cavaliers' Dean Wade: Career-high 17 points". CBSSports.com. Retrieved April 3, 2021.
- ^ Dulik, Brian (March 4, 2021). "McConnell sets steals mark, Pacers rally past Cavs 114-111". AP NEWS. Retrieved April 3, 2021.
- ^ Ridenour, Marla (April 12, 2021). "From the G League to guarding Zion, Cavaliers' Dean Wade's confidence soars". Akron Beacon Journal. Archived from the original on April 12, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
- ^ "Cavaliers' Dean Wade: Scores career-high 21 points". CBSSports.com. Retrieved April 12, 2021.
- ^ Gabriele, Joe (April 11, 2021). "Pelicans Late Push Sinks Shorthanded Cavs". Cleveland Cavaliers. Archived from the original on April 12, 2021. Retrieved April 12, 2021.
Wade led the Cavaliers with a career-best 21 points, going 8-for-12 from the floor, including 5-of-8 from long-range to go with six boards, a pair of assists and a game-high three steals.
- ^ "Pacers vs. Cavaliers - Game Recap - May 10, 2021 - ESPN". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on May 11, 2021. Retrieved May 10, 2021.
- ^ Fedor, Chris (May 10, 2021). "Cleveland Cavaliers' 111-102 loss to Indiana Pacers a microcosm of season". cleveland.com. Archived from the original on May 11, 2021. Retrieved May 10, 2021.
- ^ Cunningham, Danny (May 10, 2021). "Final score: Cavs lose to Pacers 111-102". Fear The Sword. Archived from the original on May 11, 2021. Retrieved May 10, 2021.
- ^ Fedor, Chris (November 3, 2021). "Dean Wade to start at small forward for Cleveland Cavaliers in Lauri Markkanen's absence Wednesday night". cleveland.com. Retrieved November 21, 2021.
- ^ "Warriors vs. Cavaliers - Box Score - November 18, 2021 - ESPN". ESPN. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
- ^ Dulik, Brian (November 20, 2021). "Stephen Curry, Warriors stage huge fourth-quarter rally to beat short-handed Cavaliers". sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved November 21, 2021.
- ^ Cleveland Cavaliers [@cavs] (November 19, 2021). "Big night from @deanwade3232 embracing that "Next Man Up" mentality 👊" (Tweet). Retrieved November 20, 2021 – via Twitter.
- ^ "Rockets vs. Cavaliers - Box Score". ESPN. December 15, 2021. Archived from the original on December 16, 2021. Retrieved December 15, 2021.
- ^ Cavs Notes [@CavsNotes] (December 16, 2021). ".@deanwade3232 has his 1st double-double of the season (2nd of career) with 13 PTS and a season-high 10 REB in 32 MIN. #CavsRockets #LetEmKnow" (Tweet). Retrieved December 15, 2021 – via Twitter.
- ^ Fedor, Chris (January 25, 2022). "Cleveland Cavaliers calling on Dean Wade with Lauri Markkanen sidelined -- and Wade keeps answering". Cleveland.com. Retrieved January 28, 2022.
- ^ Lewis, Ryan. "Cavs to look to Dean Wade, others in Lauri Markkanen's absence". Akron Beacon Journal. Retrieved January 28, 2022.
- ^ Maher, Rory (January 25, 2022). "Central Notes: Cavaliers, Bucks, Pistons, Washington Jr". Hoops Rumors. Retrieved January 28, 2022.
- ^ Gold, Matthew (March 28, 2022). "Cavaliers Status Updates". NBA.com. Retrieved March 28, 2022.
- ^ "Cavaliers Exercise Fourth-Year Team Option on Dean Wade". NBA.com. June 22, 2022. Retrieved June 24, 2022.
- ^ Cleveland Cavaliers [@cavs] (September 27, 2022). ".OFFICIAL: #Cavs sign Dean Wade to multi-year contract extension" (Tweet). Retrieved October 1, 2022 – via Twitter.
- ^ "New York Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers Box Score, October 30, 2022". Basketball Reference. October 31, 2022. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
- ^ "22 THREES BY THREE — the most by a trio of teammates in a game in NBA history. 👌 #LetEmKnow". Twitter. October 31, 2022. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
- ^ Lloyd, Jason. "Lloyd: This is the Dean Wade the Cavs expected. Now they have to solve a 'big' riddle". The Athletic. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
External links
[edit]- Career statistics from NBA.com · Basketball Reference
- Kansas State Wildcats bio
Dean Wade
View on GrokipediaEarly life and high school career
Early life
Dean Wade was born on November 20, 1996, in Wichita, Kansas.[8] His family relocated to the small town of St. John, Kansas, when he was young, where he spent much of his formative years in a rural, farming community environment.[9][10] Wade's upbringing was deeply influenced by his athletic parents, Jay and Trish Wade, both hailing from small-town Kansas. Jay Wade, originally from Haviland, Kansas, played football as a flanker for one season at Kansas State University in 1985.[11][12] Trish Wade, a standout multi-sport athlete, competed in volleyball and basketball at Barton County Community College before transferring to Florida Southern College, where she earned all-conference honors; she was inducted into the Barton Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.[12][13] Their backgrounds in competitive sports fostered an early interest in athletics within the family, shaping Wade's initial pursuits.[14] Wade has an older sister, Teresa, who was an all-state volleyball player at St. John High School and named the 2010 Class 1A State Division I MVP.[11] This familial emphasis on sports naturally led Wade toward basketball during his high school years.High school career
Dean Wade attended St. John High School in St. John, Kansas, where he played four years of varsity basketball, earning a letter each season starting as a freshman in 2011–12.[11][15] Under his leadership, the St. John Tigers achieved an impressive 86–6 overall record during Wade's tenure, culminating in three Kansas state championships: Class 1A in 2013 and Class 2A titles in 2014 and 2015.[11][15] In his senior year of 2014–15, Wade guided the team to a perfect 26–0 season and their third consecutive state title, scoring 28 points and grabbing 13 rebounds in the 49–44 championship victory over Central Plains.[16] Wade earned multiple individual honors, including selections to the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association All-State team for several seasons and the 2015 Parade All-American First Team as one of only 30 high school seniors nationwide.[11][16][17] As a senior, he was named the Gatorade Kansas Boys Basketball Player of the Year and Mr. Kansas Basketball by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association, while also being nominated for the McDonald's All-American Game.[16][18] That season, he averaged 24.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 3.7 steals, and 2.9 blocks per game, shooting 72.5% from the field, 42.5% from three-point range, and 76.2% from the free-throw line.[16] Wade's standout high school performance drew attention from college recruiters, leading to his oral commitment to Kansas State University on August 31, 2014, as the first in-state recruit under head coach Bruce Weber.[19] He officially signed his national letter of intent with the Wildcats on November 12, 2014, joining a recruiting class that included Barry Brown and Dante Williams.[20]College career
2015–16 season
Dean Wade joined the Kansas State Wildcats as a true freshman forward for the 2015–16 season, opting to play immediately rather than redshirt. He appeared in all 33 games, starting 31, and averaged 26.4 minutes per contest while contributing 9.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. His efficient scoring (43.4% field goal percentage) and rebounding helped stabilize the frontcourt early in his college career. Wade was also named to the Big 12 All-Freshman Team.[4] The Wildcats compiled a 17–16 overall record, including a 5–13 mark in Big 12 play that placed them eighth in the conference standings under head coach Bruce Weber. Wade's role expanded quickly, with his high school accolades as a Parade All-American and Mr. Kansas Basketball facilitating a smoother transition to the collegiate level. In non-conference play, he notched double-digit points in several outings, including a debut performance of 12 points and 6 rebounds in a 71–55 win over Arkansas–Pine Bluff on November 13, 2015. Another standout effort came on December 4, 2015, when he scored 17 points—16 in the second half—to secure a 68–66 victory against Georgia, hitting the game-winning jumper with under a minute remaining.[21][22][23] Wade's adjustment to Big 12 competition highlighted his freshman learning curve, as the conference's physicality and pace tested his 6-foot-10 frame despite added weight room strength. He occasionally came off the bench for matchup purposes, exemplified by a 17-point outburst against No. 1 Oklahoma on February 6, 2016, which earned him Big 12 Newcomer of the Week honors after shooting 7-of-10 from the field. However, performances against rival Kansas were tougher, where he averaged 3.7 points across three matchups while adapting to elite defenders. Overall, Wade ranked third on the team in scoring and second in rebounds, emphasizing his defensive presence with 0.5 blocks and 0.6 steals per game alongside developing his perimeter shooting (29.2% from three-point range). His foundational growth in these areas positioned him for expanded responsibilities in subsequent seasons.[24][25][26][4]2016–17 season
In his sophomore season, Dean Wade emerged as a full-time starter for the Kansas State Wildcats, starting all 35 games and tying teammates Barry Brown Jr. and Kamau Stokes for the most starts by a sophomore in program history.[3] He also tied school records with 35 appearances, contributing significantly to the team's efforts throughout the year. Averaging 28.0 minutes per game, Wade posted 9.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists, showcasing improved consistency building on his freshman campaign.[4] Wade's development was evident in his enhanced perimeter shooting, where he connected on 40.2 percent of his three-point attempts (53-of-132), a marked improvement that added versatility to his forward role. His playmaking also progressed, with the increased assists reflecting better court vision and distribution within Kansas State's offensive system. These contributions helped the Wildcats achieve a 21-14 overall record and an 8-10 mark in Big 12 play, securing a sixth-place conference finish.[4] The season culminated in Kansas State's return to the NCAA Tournament after a three-year absence, where they advanced through the First Four with a 95-88 victory over Wake Forest before falling in the first round to Cincinnati, 75-61.[27][28][29]2017–18 season
Wade's junior season at Kansas State marked a significant breakout, as he emerged as one of the Big 12's top forwards, averaging 16.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game across 33 appearances while starting 32 contests.[4] Building on the foundation from his prior seasons, Wade displayed improved scoring efficiency, shooting 55.0 percent from the field and leading the Wildcats in scoring on 13 occasions, including 11 Big 12 games.[11] His early performance was particularly dominant, highlighted by a career-high 34 points on 13-of-16 shooting, including 6-of-8 from three-point range, in a 91–75 road victory over Iowa State on December 29, 2017.[30] Wade's strong contributions earned him first-team All-Big 12 honors from both the league coaches and the Associated Press, recognizing his impact as a versatile 6-foot-10 forward who anchored the frontcourt.[31] However, the season turned injury-plagued late, as Wade suffered a stress reaction in his right foot during the Big 12 Tournament quarterfinal win over TCU on March 8, 2018, which forced him to miss the semifinal against Kansas the following day.[32] The injury persisted into the NCAA Tournament, sidelining him for the first two rounds before he returned for limited action—logging just eight minutes—in the Sweet 16 victory over Kentucky on March 23; he did not play in the Elite Eight loss to Loyola Chicago on March 25.[33] Despite Wade's postseason limitations, Kansas State achieved a 25–12 overall record (10–8 Big 12), advancing to the Elite Eight for the first time since 2008 and demonstrating the depth he helped build during the regular season.[34]2018–19 season
Wade entered his senior season at Kansas State after recovering from a foot injury that had hampered him during the previous year, prompting a cautious approach to his return. He missed the first six games but quickly reasserted himself upon debuting on November 26, 2018, against South Dakota. Over the course of the season, Wade appeared in 25 games, starting all of them, and averaged 12.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 30.4 minutes per game.[4] His efficient scoring and versatile play helped anchor the Wildcats' frontcourt, particularly in transition and from beyond the arc, where he shot 41.8 percent on three-pointers.[11] Wade's performance earned him significant recognition, including a selection to the first-team All-Big 12 Conference, marking his second consecutive year on the list.[35] He was also named to the USBWA All-District VI team, honoring top players in the Great Plains region.[36] As a leader, Wade emphasized team cohesion and mentorship for younger teammates, contributing to Kansas State's strong regular-season finish. A highlight of Wade's career came during the 2018–19 campaign, when he became the only player in Kansas State history to accumulate at least 1,000 points, 100 three-pointers, 500 rebounds, 200 assists, and 100 steals.[11] These milestones underscored his all-around impact over four seasons. The Wildcats finished 25–9 overall and 14–4 in Big 12 play, winning the conference regular-season title before receiving a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament, where they lost in the first round to No. 13 UC Irvine, 70–64.[37]Professional career
2019–20 season
After going undrafted in the 2019 NBA draft, Wade signed a two-way contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers on July 9, 2019.[38] He made his NBA debut on November 18, 2019, in a home win against the New York Knicks, recording one steal in nearly nine minutes off the bench.[39] Over the course of the season, Wade appeared in 12 games for Cleveland, averaging 1.7 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 0.3 blocks in 5.9 minutes per game.[8] Wade spent the majority of his rookie year developing with the Cavaliers' NBA G League affiliate, the Cleveland Charge, where he appeared in 30 games (starting 29) and averaged 14.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.3 blocks in 31.1 minutes per game.[40] His performances in the G League highlighted his versatility as a forward, including strong defensive contributions and efficient shooting from beyond the arc at 39.9 percent.[40] On June 29, 2020, the Cavaliers converted Wade's two-way contract into a standard multi-year NBA deal, securing his place on the roster heading into the league's restart.[41] The 2019–20 season had been abbreviated by the COVID-19 pandemic, with games suspended on March 11, 2020, and resumed in late July without fans in the Orlando bubble.2020–21 season
In the 2020–21 season, Dean Wade established himself as a key rotation player for the Cleveland Cavaliers, appearing in 63 games with 19 starts while averaging 19.2 minutes, 6.0 points, and 3.4 rebounds per game.[8] This marked a significant increase from his limited rookie-year experience, where he played in just 12 games, helping build his confidence for a more consistent role in the NBA rotation.[8] Prior to the season, Wade had signed a four-year, $5.6 million contract with the Cavaliers on June 29, 2020, converting from his two-way deal and providing financial security as he transitioned to full-time NBA duties.[42] Wade primarily served as a versatile bench forward, contributing defensive versatility and floor spacing with his three-point shooting, connecting on 36.6% of his attempts from beyond the arc.[8] His ability to guard multiple positions and stretch the floor complemented the Cavaliers' young core, though the team struggled overall, finishing with a 22–50 record and missing the playoffs.[43] One of Wade's standout performances came on April 11, 2021, against the New Orleans Pelicans, where he scored a then-career-high 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting, including 5-of-8 from three-point range, while adding six rebounds and three steals in 31 minutes.[44] This game highlighted his growing offensive impact off the bench during a season of steady development.2021–22 season
In the 2021–22 season, Dean Wade served as a rotation player for the Cleveland Cavaliers, appearing in 51 games with 28 starts while averaging 19.2 minutes per game. He contributed 5.3 points and 2.9 rebounds per game, showcasing efficiency with a 45.6% field goal percentage and 35.9% from three-point range on 3.9 attempts per game.[7][8] The Cavaliers compiled a 44–38 regular-season record, clinching the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference before falling in the play-in tournament to the Atlanta Hawks, thus missing the playoffs. Wade's role emphasized defensive versatility as a 3-and-D wing, where he provided steady perimeter defense and switchability alongside the team's young core during their transition from rebuild to competitiveness.[45][46] His multi-year contract, secured prior to the season, offered roster stability that allowed Wade to focus on refining his game amid the team's evolving roster dynamics.[47]2022–23 season
Wade's 2022–23 season was severely limited by multiple injuries, marking a challenging year after his breakout performance the prior season that had earned him a lucrative extension. In early November 2022, he missed six consecutive games due to a sore right knee, which hampered his early-season rhythm.[48] On December 2, 2022, during a home win against the Orlando Magic, Wade suffered a left shoulder AC joint sprain in the first half after landing awkwardly on a drive to the basket.[49] The Cavaliers initially estimated a 3-4 week absence following post-game imaging, but a minor setback during rehabilitation in mid-January extended his recovery.[50] Wade returned on January 21, 2023, against the Milwaukee Bucks, playing limited minutes in a reserve role as he worked back to form—ultimately missing 23 games from the shoulder injury alone.[51] Upon his return, Wade appeared in limited minutes amid the team's crowded forward rotation, contributing to a season total of 44 games with 13 starts and averages of 4.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 20.3 minutes per game.[52][53] That prior reliability culminated in a three-year, $18.5 million contract extension signed on September 27, 2022, securing him through the 2025–26 season with $16.5 million guaranteed. The Cavaliers finished 51–31, clinching the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference before falling to the New York Knicks in the first round of the playoffs, 4–2.[54] Wade appeared in 2 postseason games, averaging 1.0 point and 1.5 rebounds in 5.5 minutes per contest, focusing on rehabilitation during the offseason.[48][8]2023–24 season
In the 2023–24 season, Dean Wade contributed as a rotation player for the Cleveland Cavaliers, appearing in 54 regular-season games with 32 starts while averaging 20.5 minutes, 5.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game. He shot 41.4% from the field and 39.1% from three-point range, providing floor spacing despite a late-season knee injury that caused him to miss the final 15 games. One of Wade's standout performances came on December 21, 2023, when he scored 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting, including 4-of-6 from beyond the arc, in a 128-106 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. The Cavaliers finished the regular season with a 48-34 record, securing the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. In the playoffs, Cleveland lost 1-4 to the Orlando Magic in the first round, with Wade appearing in 3 games and averaging 3.7 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 21.0 minutes per contest.2024–25 season
In the 2024–25 season, Dean Wade emerged as a key rotation player for the Cleveland Cavaliers, appearing in 59 games with 30 starts while averaging 5.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 21.2 minutes per game.[8] His performance marked career highs in rebounding average and nearly matched his previous best in starts, showcasing his growth into a reliable forward who provided defensive versatility across multiple positions, including guarding wings and bigs effectively.[52] This evolution from a primarily bench role in prior seasons allowed him to contribute to the Cavaliers' league-best 64–18 regular-season record, securing the top seed in the Eastern Conference.[55] During the playoffs, Wade appeared in 9 games across the Cavaliers' postseason run, averaging 1.7 points and 4.2 rebounds in 15.7 minutes per contest. Cleveland defeated the Miami Heat 4–1 in the first round before falling 1–4 to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference semifinals.[56] Wade's steady contributions on the glass and in switching schemes helped stabilize the frontcourt amid injuries to key players.[8] As the final year of his three-year, $18.5 million extension signed in 2022, Wade's consistent play positioned him to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2025–26 season, during which he is earning $6,623,456.2025–26 season
As of November 16, 2025, Dean Wade has appeared in 13 games for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the early stages of the 2025–26 NBA season, averaging 5.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists while playing 21.8 minutes per game.[8] His shooting efficiency has been 36.9% from the field through these contests.[8] Wade has maintained his role as a rotation forward, offering defensive versatility and stepping into starting lineups amid frontcourt injuries, including those affecting Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley in prior seasons.[1] This continuity builds on his expanded contributions during the 2024–25 season, where he solidified his place in the rotation.[52] A notable early event occurred on November 5, 2025, when Wade exited a 132–121 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers due to an eye injury and did not return, though he was listed as questionable.[1] The Cavaliers hold a 9–5 record as of November 16, 2025. Wade is in the final year of a three-year, $18.5 million contract extension signed with Cleveland on September 27, 2022, earning $6,623,456 for 2025–26 before becoming an unrestricted free agent in the 2026 offseason.[57] No extension negotiations took place during the 2025 offseason.[58] Early performance trends indicate Wade's per-game output aligns closely with his 2024–25 averages of 5.4 points and 4.2 rebounds across 59 appearances, suggesting a projection of similar production—around 5–6 points and 3–4 rebounds—if his playing time stabilizes at 20–22 minutes.[2][52]Career statistics
Per-Game Averages
| Season | G | MP | PTS | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-20 | 12 | 5.9 | 1.7 | 1.6 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.3 | .692 | .500 | .000 |
| 2020-21 | 63 | 19.2 | 6.0 | 3.4 | 1.2 | 0.6 | 0.3 | .431 | .366 | .769 |
| 2021-22 | 51 | 19.2 | 5.3 | 2.9 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 0.1 | .456 | .359 | .667 |
| 2022-23 | 44 | 20.3 | 4.7 | 3.4 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 0.5 | .412 | .354 | .652 |
| 2023-24 | 54 | 20.5 | 5.4 | 4.0 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 0.5 | .414 | .391 | .769 |
| 2024-25 | 59 | 21.2 | 5.4 | 4.2 | 1.3 | 0.7 | 0.3 | .413 | .360 | .533 |
| 2025-26* | 13 | 21.8 | 5.5 | 3.4 | 1.3 | 0.7 | 0.5 | .369 | .313 | .750 |
Career Totals and Averages
Totals
| G | MP | PTS | TRB | AST | STL | BLK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 296 | 6,798 | 1,484 | 1,045 | 301 | 172 | 99 |
Averages
| G | MP | PTS | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 296 | 23.0 | 5.0 | 3.5 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 0.3 | .429 | .364 | .676 |
Advanced Metrics
| Season | PER | TS% | WS/48 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-20 | 13.9 | .744 | .105 |
| 2020-21 | 11.3 | .573 | .080 |
| 2021-22 | 10.1 | .584 | .111 |
| 2022-23 | 8.5 | .550 | .097 |
| 2023-24 | 10.2 | .598 | .110 |
| 2024-25 | 10.1 | .563 | .113 |
| 2025-26* | 9.0 | .512 | .085 |
| Career | 10.2 | .573 | .103 |
NBA playoffs
Wade first appeared in the NBA playoffs during the 2022–23 postseason with the Cleveland Cavaliers, though his role was limited in subsequent years until a more expanded contribution in 2024–25.[8] Over his playoff career to date, he has played in 14 games across three postseasons, providing depth as a forward with contributions in rebounding and defense.[8] The following table summarizes Wade's per-game playoff averages by season:| Season | Team | G | MP | FG% | 3P% | FT% | PTS | TRB | AST | STL | BLK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022–23 | CLE | 2 | 5.5 | .000 | .000 | 1.000 | 1.0 | 1.5 | .0 | .0 | .0 |
| 2023–24 | CLE | 3 | 21.0 | .286 | .286 | .000 | 3.7 | 2.0 | 1.7 | 0.3 | 0.7 |
| 2024–25 | CLE | 9 | 15.8 | .333 | .250 | .000 | 1.7 | 4.2 | .7 | .3 | .1 |
College
Dean Wade played college basketball for the Kansas State Wildcats from 2015 to 2019, appearing in 126 games and starting 123 of them. Over his career, he averaged 12.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 49.8% from the field and 38.6% from three-point range.[4] The following table summarizes Wade's per-game statistics by season:| Season | G | GS | MP | FG% | 3P% | FT% | TRB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–16 | 33 | 31 | 26.4 | .434 | .292 | .656 | 5.1 | 1.1 | 9.9 |
| 2016–17 | 35 | 35 | 28.0 | .496 | .402 | .663 | 4.5 | 1.8 | 9.3 |
| 2017–18 | 33 | 32 | 32.8 | .550 | .440 | .752 | 6.2 | 2.7 | 16.2 |
| 2018–19 | 25 | 25 | 30.4 | .492 | .418 | .789 | 6.2 | 2.8 | 12.9 |
| Career | 126 | 123 | 29.3 | .498 | .386 | .712 | 5.4 | 2.1 | 12.0 |
| Season | Win Shares (WS) | Box Plus/Minus (BPM) |
|---|---|---|
| 2015–16 | 3.1 | 5.0 |
| 2016–17 | 3.7 | 6.9 |
| 2017–18 | 5.9 | 11.7 |
| 2018–19 | 4.0 | 9.8 |
| Career | 16.7 | 8.2 |
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