Dwyane Wade's decision to join the Bulls "sent some merchants into a jersey-searching frenzy," according to Robert Channick of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE. However, before Wade's official Bulls jersey hits the shelves, he "has to sign" his Bulls contract and he "has to get an official number." Bulls F Doug McDermott "has already agreed to relinquish" his No. 3 jersey, the same number Wade wore during the entireity of his 13-year career with the Heat. Sports apparel store Chicago Sports Owner Luke Pesha said that replica screen-printed Wade Bulls jerseys "are not expected until next month," while embroidered jerseys "should arrive by November." The store also "expects to have $32 T-shirts in stock by next week." Meanwhile, newly signed Bulls G Rajon Rondo's jersey is "not expected to translate into similarly robust jersey sales," and the NBA "has no plans to offer a ready-made Rondo jersey" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 7/8).
LOCAL TIES: In Ft. Lauderdale, Martin Vassolo notes spokespeople for South Florida organizations that worked with Wade said that "they're not sure what will happen next, but they appreciate his generosity." Car dealership The Collection President & CEO Ken Gorin, who hired Wade to help promote the Coral Gables dealerships' Jaguars, Porsches, Ferraris, Maseratis and Aston Martins, said, "He has always been an incredible partner and we are thankful for the impact he has made in our community." Vassolo notes Wade "started giving back almost immediately after he was drafted" by the Heat in '03, forming Wade's World Foundation that same year. He "leveraged his star power by forming partnerships with such businesses as Carnival Corp., American Airlines and Goldman Sachs" (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 7/8).
BOTTOM TO THE TOP: In N.Y., John Ortved notes Wade "recently released his eighth collection of neckties with the Tie Bar, a Chicago-based brand," but his fashion plans "go far beyond that." When asked why the collection does not feature sweatshirts or suits, Wade said, "It’s really about trying to build a fashion brand slowly. I’m getting into the accessory part first." Asked what he will design next, Wade said, "I want you to be able to dress in the Dwyane Wade collection from bottom to top" (N.Y. TIMES, 7/8).
