If the 2003 draft class looked like a blockbuster, the 2010 free agency market was the cinematic sequel everyone was waiting for. Waiting for LeBron James to reach the end of “take my talents to…” was like waiting to see if Spiderman will join the MCU. For certain players in Miami Heat, their professional decisions were hanging in the balance. We’re not talking about Dwyane Wade or Udonis Haslem. Dorell Wright had a stellar start in Miami but his career was in limbo till the team sealed the deal with the Big 3.

Dorell Wright arrived in the NBA straight out of high school in 2004, after an outstanding draft class that also included a prep-to-pro superstar. Very early, he was vibing with Shaquille O’Neal, Dwyane Wade, Gary Payton, and Udonis Haslem. He’d win his first chip in 2006, two seasons into his career, and had went as far as the playoffs.

But Miami wouldn’t be where D-Wright was a star. Speaking to childhood friend, JR Smith on the Par 3 Podcast, Wright recalled his crucial 2010 decision. “After, you know, my six years in Miami, I signed a 3-year deal in Golden State. Had to wait for Bron to make his decision like everybody else.”

We’ve heard from Miami bigshots like Pat Riley, Haslem, Wade, Chris Bosh, and LeBron James himself, there were secret meetings, hush-hush, and speculation till James went on ESPN and announced he’s going to South Beach. James faced as much backlash as the hype for chasing the chip. As the new Big 3 devoured the cap space and the rest was given to retain UD, Miami made the business decision to trade Wright to the Golden State Warriors.

Over a decade later, Wright makes it sound like waiting for that trade was a nerve-wrecking moment because of James. “I’m just sitting around like, ‘come on Bron!’ Because I’m trying to get to my new team,” he told Smith.

Despite how he makes it sound, it was the best trade for a young Dorell Wright.

Dorell Wright landed where he was meant to be

After entering the league in his teens and supported by veterans like Shaq and Payton, Wright was primed to stand apart in 2010. Unlike what Miami could’ve offered him after splurging on the Big 3, Wright got a $11 million contract for three years with the Dubs.

In San Francisco, Wright got to play alongside a young, pre-championship Steph Curry. Without D-Wade’s mentorship, Wright told Smith that he developed as a 3-point sniper at Golden State. At that time, the Warriors weren’t the kind of team we know today. So Wright’s trade went under the radar. But his growth was noticeable.

Right away, he set a franchise record with nine three-point field goals in a game. He made All-Star and was in the 3-point shootout. He finished third in voting for NBA Most Improved Player.

While his partnership with Wade continued into retirement, Wright leans towards Warriors more than the Heat. Being the Warriors studio analyst keeps him connected to the Dubs and he loves every bit of it.

“I had my best year in my career,” with the Warriors, Wright told Smith. All because LeBron James made ‘The Decision.’