Wade had already grown close to Mitchell over the years. They share an agency and a strong relationship. While they talk often — Wade calls him a “brother” — now Wade had to approach him from a different perspective. “That was my first time talking to him with my ownership hat on,” Wade told The Athletic. “Even though I’m still big bro, but I’m on the other side. It was different. I think it was different for Don, and it was different for me. But ultimately, any time that my opportunity came to speak, I just tried to be honest. And try to give my vision and my version. I think Don appreciated that. I think that’s why even though I’m on the other side we can continue to have the relationship that we have, where he reached out to me as big bro even though I’m on the other side.”