5 Basketball Players who Played for Heat and Bulls
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players that have played for both the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found players who played for both the Heat and the Bulls.
Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Wade is widely regarded as one of the greatest shooting guards in the history of the NBA. He was drafted 5th overall by the Miami Heat in the 2003 NBA Draft, a draft class that also featured players like LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony.
Wade spent the majority of his illustrious career with the Miami Heat, where he became a central figure in the team’s success over many years. Over his career, he was a 13-time NBA All-Star and earned a variety of awards including the 2006 NBA Finals MVP after leading the Heat to their first championship victory.
Wade also played pivotal roles in the Miami Heat’s back-to-back championship wins in 2012 and 2013, alongside LeBron James and Chris Bosh, forming a trio that became known as the “Big Three.”
*Wade was the most popular pick for this square in a previous grid (Grid 51)
Wade Key Stats
- All NBA (Heat)
- All-Star (Heat)
- NBA Champ (Heat)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Heat)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Heat)
Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler started his career with the Chicago Bulls in 2011, after being drafted 30th overall from Marquette University. He spent six seasons with the Bulls, becoming a three-time All-Star and a three-time All-Defensive Team member. He also won the Most Improved Player award in 20151.
He then played for the Minnesota Timberwolves for one full season with a brief stop in Philadelphia, before joining the Heat in 2019. He led the Heat to the NBA Finals in 2020 & 2023, but they weren’t able to secure a championship either trip.
Over the course of his career to date, he has averaged 18.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game in the regular season, and 21.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game in the playoffs.
*Butler was previously the most popular pick for this square (Grid 26)
Butler Key Stats
- All NBA (Bulls, Timberwolves, Heat)
- All-Star (Bulls, Timberwolves, Heat)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Bulls, Timberwolves, Heat)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Bulls, Heat)
Luol Deng
Luol Deng was born in South Sudan and raised in the UK. Deng’s basketball journey began internationally before he moved to the U.S. to play high school basketball. He played one season of college basketball at Duke University before declaring for the NBA.
Deng was selected 7th overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 2004 NBA Draft but was immediately traded to the Chicago Bulls. In Chicago, he became a cornerstone of the team’s success, earning two All-Star selections and establishing himself as one of the league’s premier defenders.
After a decade with the Bulls, Deng had stints with several teams, including the Heat, Lakers, and Timberwolves. Beyond his on-court contributions, Deng was highly regarded for his humanitarian efforts, especially concerning refugees and communities affected by conflict.
Deng Key Stats
- All-Star (Bulls)
Goran Dragic
Goran Dragić was selected as the 45th overall pick in the second round of the 2008 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs, but he was subsequently traded to the Phoenix Suns.
Over his career, Dragić has played for several teams, including the Suns, Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, and Toronto Raptors. He was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player in 2014 and earned an All-Star selection in 2018.
Dragić has career averages (to date) of 13.3 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game. His crafty playmaking, scoring ability, and leadership on the court have been key factors in his success as an NBA player. He played an instrumental role in helping the Miami Heat reach the NBA Finals in 2020.
Dragic Key Stats
- All-Star (Heat)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Heat)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Rockets, Suns, Heat)
P.J. Brown
P.J. Brown, a tenacious power forward and center, enjoyed a prominent NBA career, known for his defensive tenacity and leadership.
After being drafted 29th overall by the New Jersey Nets in 1992, Brown truly shone during his tenure with the Miami Heat in the late ’90s. His reputation as a physical defender grew, setting him apart as a key contributor during playoff runs.
After stints with the Heat and Charlotte Hornets, Brown played pivotal roles with the Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics. Arguably, his career highlight was with the Celtics in 2008, when his veteran presence and defense helped the team secure an NBA Championship.
Mike James
Mike James began his NBA career undrafted, but he managed to break into the league in 2001 with the Miami Heat. From there, he embarked on a journey that saw him play for numerous teams, including the Celtics, Pistons, Bucks, Rockets, Raptors, Timberwolves, New Orleans Hornets, Wizards, and Bulls.
Perhaps the highlight of his NBA tenure came during the 2005-2006 season with the Toronto Raptors, where he averaged a career-high in points and showcased his ability to lead a team as a primary guard. His NBA journey was marked by his adaptability, allowing him to fit into various roles, from starting point guard to a bench contributor.
In addition to his NBA career, James had spells in international basketball, playing in France, Turkey, and Italy, which further underscored his dedication and adaptability to different styles of play and cultures.
James Key Stats
- NBA Championship (Pistons)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Raptors)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Raptors)
