This is certainly possible, but it's just as likely that this is a last ditch money grab while playing for a team that will win 45-50 games (unlike the Nuggets), and currying some favor with his home town for post retirement opportunities.
I don't think the 2 max FAs after the season is on the table anymore with this signing unless the salary cap jumps massively again, especially if Rondo opts into his 2nd year. The 4 player GS option is only available because Curry is playing on a $12mm deal and Klay/Draymond are on old max deals. Besides, while it was easy to imagine a 28 year old Wade convincing Lebron in 2010, it's much harder to imagine a 35 year old Wade doing the same thing.
I've never been a huge fan of Wade, and I don't love the addition to the team. It seems to set up a huge culture clash with the high energy/effort of Butler. Wade doesn't seem to work all that hard (can be out of shape, whines to refs, only tries on defense when he feels like it) that I can easily imagine a bad post game locker room. Add in Rondo and it just feels like a powder keg waiting to explode, especially if things start to go sour.
The need to make the playoffs at all costs mentality here could easily hurt the team in the next 3-5 years.
Wade to the Bulls. This move is all about the 2017-18 season IMO.
Bulls will be able to offer two max deals after this season.
An all time great isn't going somewhere where he doesn't think he has a chance to win. The Nuggets were just used like the Bulls in 2010.
Wade knows the Bulls have room and will pitch his buddies to come win a ring on his way out with a core 4 including Jimmy and two free agents.
Chris Paul and Blake Griffin making the move together? Will Wade call Westbrook and say coming to join them with Blake is his best shot at ever beating KD in the finals?
A guy like Wade calls, you listen. If he looks as good as he did last year people will still want to play with him.