Copyright © 2025 Bleacher Report, Inc. A Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All Rights Reserved.

Speaking on the 'Underground Lodge' podcast, Heat legend Dwyane Wade set the record straight on the series of events which forced LeBron James from the Heat. According to Wade, Pat Riley's micromanagement was a major problem and he recalls what happened when Riley took LeBron's favorite cookies from the plane.

Why did LeBron James leave the Miami Heat? King James’ time with the Heat was eventful. James played for the Heat from 2010 to 2014, forming the “Big Three” with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. During his four seasons in Miami,

Dwyane Wade says LeBron James was PISSED when Pat Riley took his cookies and felt that was a sign LeBron might leave due to Riley’s micromanagement (🎥 @undergrndlounge / h/t @HeatCulture13 ) pic.twitter.com/NlJXfZZaqX

The Miami Heat’s Big Three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh were the superteam that kicked off the current player-movement era. For four years, they advanced to the NBA Finals each year and won two championships before James decided to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade took another trip down memory lane in a recent interview, addressing how team president Pat Riley’s micromanagement may have led to LeBron James’ departure. After Wade recalled an All-Star beef with Dirk Nowitzki,

Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade revealed a surprising factor behind LeBron James' departure from the team in 2014, and has to do with Pat Riley. LeBron James‘ time with the Miami Heat didn’t just bring championships,

LeBron James' love for chocolate chip cookies highlighted rising tensions with the Miami Heat in 2014. Dwyane Wade humorously recounted how strict team management led to James considering his departure,

I’ve said this before—this was the first moment I had an inkling that LeBron might not be coming back. One thing you don’t do is f*** with LeBron’s cookies. No, no, no, no. This is