It appears that Udonis Haslem will return for at least one more season with the Heat. The 38-year-old power forward is close to an agreement with the team he’s played for the past 15 seasons, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.
Haslem indicated in June he’d pursue overseas opportunities in order to get more playing time. However, Haslem has remained on the free agent market and was spotted working out with several Miami players this week, Winderman continues.
It’s likely that Haslem will have to settle for a contract at or close to the $2.4MM veteran’s minimum, Winderman adds, though Miami holds his Bird Rights and can offer him significantly more.
Haslem has seen his playing time steadily decline over the last four seasons, making him a de facto unofficial assistant coach. He appeared in 62 games, including 25 starts, during the 2014/15 season. Since then, he’s seen action in 37 games the following season, 16 in 2016/17 and 14 games last season.
If he signs, he’ll join a crowd at the power forward and center positions. Miami already has Justise Winslow, James Johnson, Hassan Whiteside, Bam Adebayo and Kelly Olynyk at those spots along with two-way players Duncan Robinson and Yante Maten.
UDone it!
All time player coach power rankings has to have Haslem at the top of the list
This is honestly a waste of money and roster spot. Let him go overseas, return as a consultant if you dont want to officially hire him to the coaching staff. There plenty of players that could actually contribute.
He is the 13-15 man those spots aren’t used for a player to contribute mainly young guys or vets. Plus show respect he’s a heat lifer and has taken a lot of paycuts.
His contract v production were in line. Or you use those spots to give a young guy some run on a two way.
Sixers did this with Brand, except they were tanking, Heat have playoff aspirations.
I’m glad the Heat take care of their guys, but at some point they have to actually focus on building a championship team.
Let’s go!!! As I’ve been saying for the last couple of years, I hope he plays more, especially in certain matchups. UD can easily go another 2-3 years if he were to get that playing time. He is in incredible shape
Lol you serious? He can barely move
The HR Heat crew is returning just like the whole Heat roster!
Bas-ref has Miami with the #1 roster cost right now, but so far no Briante Weber. He will fit right in with Macgruder etc