The Miami Heat lost a legend when the regular season ended. Fortunately for the Heat, though, Dwyane Wade's longtime running mate has elected against hanging it up, ensuring at least one franchise icon will remain with the team going forward.
Veteran big man Udonis Haslem signed a one-year, $2.6 million deal with the Heat, returning to South Beach for his 17th season.
He’s back, because he never left.
Udonis Haslem has signed for a 17th season with the Miami Heat. One year, $2.6 million.
The Captain – and three-time NBA champion – has played with 130 different Heat teammates.
And counting. #og #Mr305 pic.twitter.com/R6Ku0rssPy
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) August 6, 2019
Haslem confirmed the news on Instagram shortly thereafter.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B01auiMBCo0/
Prior assumptions were that Haslem had played his final game in 2018-19. He even published a heartwarming essay for The Undefeated in April, thanking Wade and the many people who helped him reach the NBA, leading some to believe he was unofficially announcing his retirement.
Haslem was undrafted out of the University of Florida in 2002. He signed with the Heat as a free agent one year later after losing 50 pounds while playing for Elan Chalon in France’s Pro A League. He immediately established himself as a fixture in Miami, starting 24 games during his first NBA season before merging as a full-time starter for the next five years.
Haslem won rings with the Heat in 2006, 2012, and 2013, playing an especially crucial role guarding Dirk Nowitzki in the 2006 Finals. He’s appeared in just 38 games over the last three seasons, relegated to the role of mentor and locker-room leader 30s as Miami focuses on player development while remaining competitive in the Eastern Conference.
The 39-year-old is the Heat's all-time leader in total rebounds, offensive rebounds, defensive rebounds. In 2012, Haslem became the first player in league history to go undrafted and become a franchise's all-time leading rebounder.
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