Before all the drama surrounding the Sixers’ trade for Jaylen Brown, the team’s biggest additions of the summer were rookie Labaron Philon Jr. and Dean Wade.

Wade, who’s signed a four-year, $39 million contract with the Sixers, knows he’s not a remotely comparable player to Brown. He’s a self-aware, 29-year-old forward with a simple offensive game and an intense defensive focus. 

“There’s going to be a bunch of open space and I think that’s kind of where I do my best, just giving (Tyrese) Maxey, Jaylen Brown and all those guys space to operate,” Wade said in a Zoom media availability Tuesday. “If they kick it out, I’ll shoot the (three-pointer) once or twice. And then on the defensive end, just do what I’ve always done. Play hard and be a switchable, versatile defender.”

Wade spent his first seven NBA seasons with the Cavaliers, working his way up from undrafted two-way contract player to key rotation piece. Sixers president of basketball operations Mike Gansey was in Cleveland’s front office for his rise.

The Kansas State product averaged 5.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists last season in 22.3 minutes per game. Much of his offense came from three-point range, where Wade shot 36.2 percent on 3.3 attempts per contest.

Wade’s value stems largely from his defense on a variety of stars. As he figured out NBA life, Wade realized defensive solidity was a clear path to playing time. 

“It’s kind of a thankless job, being a defender, but it’s one of the most important things you can do,” he said. “You’ve got to go out there and guard the best players, even if it’s not your position. In the playoffs I was guarding point guards, I was guarding forwards, I was guarding kind of everybody. 

“You’ve just got to take pride, have that chip on your shoulder, and go out there and compete every game. … Everybody in the NBA is so skilled and has so much athleticism. I think that extra competitive edge, it gives people another little step. I just try to go out there every game and compete at the highest level.”

Wade is fine with defense often being overlooked and unglamorous. 

“Nobody really enjoys playing defense,” he said. “Everyone wants to play offense and score, be part of it on that end. But I think the most appealing part of defense is when people iso, 1-on-1. It’s head up and just, ‘Who’s better?’ I’ve got that little chip on my shoulder. I love that competitive spirit where it’s just whose will is going to outlast (the other’s)? 

“I think that’s where I enjoy the defensive part. … You don’t want to let any of your teammates down. You know how important you are on the defensive end. You’ve got to do your job so everybody else can do their job.”

Even elite NBA defenders have many moments where their efforts are futile. And although the game can boil down to 1-on-1 battles, there’s often defensive subtleties that are nearly impossible for non-players to grasp. On top of all the on-ball responsibilites, the Sixers will ask Wade to make precise rotations, adhere to game plan details and generally stay sharp off the ball. 

If he checks those boxes and helps the star-heavy Sixers go deep in the playoffs, Wade envisions a fun time on his second team.

Former teammate Georges Niang gave him an idea of what to expect in Philadelphia. 

“It’s been tough, but it’s been awesome meeting people and seeing the support they’ve given me,” Wade said. “What I know about Philly … Georges Niang, he was on the Cavs a couple of years ago and he was in Philly. Maybe the funniest human I’ve ever met, first off. But he (told me) Philly fans are diehards. They might get on you a few games here and there if you’re not doing what you’re supposed to be doing. But overall, it’s a sports city. 

“Georges says it’s the best fans in the world as long as you’re playing the right way. I take pride in playing the right way and I’m excited, man. Playing in front of the Philly fans when I was in Cleveland, they’re always loud, they’re always bringing energy. It’s something I can appreciate, man. I love playing in those atmospheres and being the home team in those atmospheres, it’s got to be great. So I’m ready and I’m excited about that.”