Cleveland Cavaliers trade Dwyane Wade back to Miami Heat

The Cleveland Cavaliers have traded Dwyane Wade to the Miami Heat, a person with knowledge of the deal confirmed to USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke under the condition of anonymity because the deal had not yet been announced publicly. 

The Cavaliers will receive a heavily protected second-round pick in return.

With the Cavs getting younger, the deal gives Wade a chance to return to Miami where he spent the first 13 seasons of his career and won three championships — two with LeBron James.

Wade, 36, was limited to a reserve role this season with the Cavs, averaging a career-low 11.2 points and 23.2 minutes. 

The Cavs have been the NBA's most active team ahead of Thursday's 3 p.m. ET deadline, also acquiring Larry Nance Jr., Jordan Clarkson, George Hill and Rodney Hood.

► 2018 NBA trade deadline tracker: Who's going where?