Why did Dwyane Wade leave TNT? Focus on other business ventures led to amicable split

Gilbert McGregor

Why did Dwyane Wade leave TNT? Focus on other business ventures led to amicable split image

After three seasons, Dwyane Wade's time as a TNT analyst has reportedly come to an end.

According to Andrew Marchand of The New York Post, it was Wade's decision to not return to TNT, as the three-time NBA champion declined Turner Sports' offer to keep him for the coming seasons.

Wade joined TNT's star-studded NBA team after retiring from the league in 2019. Over the past three seasons, Wade mainly worked as a studio analyst for TNT's Tuesday night NBA offering alongside Adam Lefkoe, former teammate Shaquille O'Neal and fellow Chicagoan Candace Parker.

In addition to his studio work, Wade worked as a color analyst as part of a three-person crew during the 2022 NBA All-Star Game in Cleveland, where he was honored as a member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team. 

With reports indicating that the split between Wade and Turner Sports was amicable, what's next for the future Hall of Famer?

What's next for Dwyane Wade after leaving TNT?

Marchand's report adds that Wade's decision to decline TNT's offer is rooted in his decision to focus on "various other business interests."

Rudy-Gay-Dwyane-Wade-Getty-FTR
(NBAE via Getty Images)

NBA ownership

Among Wade's biggest business ventures is his minority stake in the Utah Jazz organization, which he officially acquired in April 2021. At the time, Wade called his venture into ownership "an opportunity to grow," saying "this is about the next phase of my life as an investor, a businessman, an entrepreneur. "

17 months later, the Jazz franchise is at a critical juncture after trading away franchise cornerstones Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell in the same offseason.

MORE: Did Cavaliers or Jazz win Donovan Mitchell trade?

As co-owner of the franchise, Wade's business acumen and basketball knowledge will allow him to work closely with CEO of basketball operations Danny Ainge, general manager Justin Zanik and new head coach Will Hardy as Utah looks to usher in a new era of basketball.

Media ventures

The news of Wade's departure came just hours after the trailer was released for an upcoming "The Redeem Team" documentary covering the  2008 United States Men's National Basketball Team's pursuit of redemption in the form of a gold medal.

Wade, a member of the team, is one of the executive producers of the documentary along with former teammate LeBron James.

Per IMDb, "The Redeem Team" is the second 2022 release that Wade has been an executive producer for, coming after "Legacy: In the Shadow of Greatness." Wade is also listed as a producer for the upcoming release of "Relentless," which is in pre-production.

Wade Cellars

In 2015, Wade's love of wine led to the launch of Wade Cellars, offering "a diverse collection of wines that are inspired by California's rich winemaking tradition with a healthy dose of DWade style."

Just this year, Wade Cellars launched its most affordable offering of Cabernet Sauvignon, one of several offerings under the "Three by Wade" branding.

Way of Wade

Wade first signed a contract with Chinese shoe company Li-Ning in 2012, a fruitful partnership that resulted in Wade signing a lifetime deal with the brand in 2018.

As part of his deal, Li-Ning launched the "Way of Wade" subsidiary brand, placing Wade in a unique echelon among athletes with lifetime contracts and subsidiary brands.

Timberwolves guard D'Angelo Russell has been the face of the Way of Wade brand since Wade's retirement.

Who will replace Dwyane Wade on TNT?

NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Sept. 28 that Jamal Crawford has emerged as the "top choice" to replace Wade.

Crawford played 20 seasons in the NBA and is widely regarded as one of the greatest sixth men in league history. Crawford has dabbled his feet in media since he last played in 2019-20, most notably providing an alternative stream on NBA League Pass called "HooperVision" with former NBA player Quentin Richardson.

Gilbert McGregor

Gilbert McGregor Photo

Gilbert McGregor first joined The Sporting News in 2018 as a content producer for Global editions of NBA.com. Before covering the game, McGregor played basketball collegiately at Wake Forest, graduating with a Communication degree in 2016. McGregor began covering the NBA during the 2017-18 season and has been on hand for a number of league events.