Veteran power forward Udonis Haslem will be back with the Miami Heat for the 2021-22 NBA season. This will mark Haslem’s 19th season with the franchise he spent his entire NBA career with.
According to reports, Haslem, who turned 41 in June, inked a new one-year deal worth $2.8 million.
Haslem didn’t play much for the Heat recently, totaling just five appearances and 47 minutes on the court in the past two seasons. However, Miami’s coaching staff values the veteran for setting an example for younger players and playing the role of a team leader.
After going undrafted in the 2002 NBA Draft, Haslem, who is a Miami native, went overseas and played one season in France with Elan Chalon. After putting up good performances in Europe, he returned to the U.S. in 2003 and signed with the Heat.
During his time with the team, Haslem helped the Heat win three titles and reach the NBA Finals six times. He is currently the franchise leader in rebounds and seventh on the all-time scoring list.
“Udonis Haslem has agreed to come back and play the game he loves so much,” said Heat president Pat Riley in a statement. “What he loves more than that is to be on the court teaching and competing against the world’s best.”
