One reason why Dwyane Wade is ‘waiting’ for LeBron James to retire

Dwyane Wade is waiting for LeBron James retirement for a selfish reason

Wade, on The Tonight Show, explained why he has held off on completing something tied to their legacy.

“I have it, and it has not got signed yet, gotten signed yet by LeBron. I’m actually waiting until he retires. Maybe 2038,” Wade said.

He added: “And I already know the retirement gift I want him to get me when he retires, and it’s just a signature of this photo. So I’m waiting. I’m waiting until you retire.”

The idea is simple but meaningful: Wade wants the moment to carry more weight when LeBron’s career officially ends.

It reflects how certain milestones feel more significant when tied to a final chapter rather than the present.

Dwyane Wade admits he will miss LeBron James’ impact on the NBA

Wade also made it clear that the thought of LeBron retiring is not something he is ready for.

“I know it’s like ‘He’s old, he should retire,’ but at the same time I’m gonna miss him. I’m gonna miss how great he’s been for our game. So I’m just taking these moments in,” Wade continued.

“We don’t know when the last one is coming. But to see him still be able to get some posters, and his daughter now can see that her father is good,” the Heat legend concluded.

The comment shifts the focus from nostalgia to appreciation, recognising that LeBron is still performing at a high level.

For Wade, that makes the present just as important as the legacy that will follow. It also explains why he is waiting, not just for a signature, but for a moment that truly marks the end of an era.