Wherever Dwyane Wade finishes next season, expect his leadership and community service that the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame recognized Thursday night to continue.

As for where Wade's 15th season begins, the 12-time All-Star guard told the Tribune in advance of receiving the Mannie Jackson Human Spirit Award he plans to report to Bulls training camp that begins Sept. 25.

"The only thing I'll say is right now my plan is to be in training camp," Wade said.

Wade wouldn't address his future beyond that or the organizational decision to rebuild after the draft-day trade of his close friend Jimmy Butler. He also chose not to answer whether he would be comfortable in a mentoring role.

No buyout talks have transpired since the Butler trade, which came two days after Wade exercised his $23.8 million player option. Wade had another week before the deadline on that decision.

The Bulls have said any buyout would have to be "advantageous for the organization."

Nevertheless, speculation has run rampant that Wade will be elsewhere at some point next season. He did say any player would prefer to play for a contender, particularly later in a career.

"It's the world we live in," Wade said. "Everyone's going to speculate."

Later, Wade told Turner Sports David Aldridge: "When the time is right for me and the Chicago Bulls organization to sit down and talk about the future, we will do that. ... Hopefully, we get an opportunity to sit down and talk about the direction and go from there. I'm 35 years old. I'm a grown man. I can definitely sit across the room from you and listen to your truth and hopefully (you) hear mine."

Wade has other things on his mind now. As he mingled with coach Fred Hoiberg — who flew here to acknowledge Wade's honor — and a Marquette contingent that included coach Steve Wojciechowski, Wade kept checking on his kids. They prepared to leave the Miami area in advance of Hurricane Irma.

"It's hectic in the city," said Wade, who played 13 seasons for the Heat. "I have a lot of friends and family there.

"But in moments like this, a lot of people come together. In today's society, where we have a lot of divide, people (still) come together. They need each other. I'm sure the city will pull together."

Pulling people together and humanitarian efforts for positive impact are necessary criteria for the Jackson award, which also went to New Jersey high school coaching legend Bob Hurley and female pioneer Nancy Lieberman, a current Kings assistant.

"You don't do things to get awards," Wade said. "But you understand the importance of doing things in the community, and when you're recognized you know others behind you see it. Maybe other people want to get behind (my Wade's World foundation) and support it. So it's pretty cool."

Wade used that same word — "cool" — to describe Hoiberg's attendance.

"He texted and told me he was coming," Wade said. "When you go through life, you build relationships with people. Fred is someone I have constant communication with. Outside of being a basketball coach in the NBA, Fred is someone I look at who could be a friend for a long time.

"It's great that he's here and the Marquette University family is here. These are people who, outside of basketball, have some kind of appreciation for (me) as a person. That's special."

Hoiberg said his decision to attend was an easy one.

"It's a tremendous, very well-deserved honor," Hoiberg said. "Getting an award like he's getting tells you everything you need to know about him, all the good he has done in his communities and the time he takes to make an impact like he has, especially on kids. It's great to be here with him."

Hoiberg said it's too early to know Wade's role this season. With Zach LaVine returning from an ACL tear, Wade projects to start should he make it to opening night in a Bulls uniform. Beyond that, Wade as sixth man could come into play given the rebuilding situation — another reason why speculation on an eventual buyout reigns.

"I'm excited about Dwyane being a great influence on our younger players," Hoiberg said. "He has been through every possible situation in the NBA. He has won several championships, but he also has been part of rebuilding situations. So to be a resource for our younger players as they establish themselves in this league is important. And he still has some good minutes in him."

Wade said he never had been to the Hall of Fame. One day, his likeness will be there for good — in the Heat uniform many expected him to wear for his entire career.