NBA free agency: Udonis Haslem back with Miami Heat in 2016-17

Losing Dwyane Wade stinks, but at least the Miami Heat plan to bring back their other longest-tenured player in power forward Udonis Haslem for 2016-17.

According to Miami Heat beat writer for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel Ira Winderman, long-time veteran power forward for the Heat Udonis Haslem will return to Miami for the 2016-17 NBA season on a one-year deal worth $4 million.

Haslem played his college ball at nearby Gainesville for the Florida Gators from 1998 to 2002. After spending 2002-03 playing overseas in France for Chalon-Sur-Saone, Haslem joined the Heat in 2003 as an undrafted free agent and has been with the team ever since.

Haslem was the other player on the Heat to be on all three of the team’s NBA Championship teams with former shooting guard Dwyane Wade (2006, 2012-13). Like Wade, Haslem’s jersey will one day hang in the rafters at American Airlines Center. Haslem is the franchise leader in rebounds and continues to add to his total with every game he plays.

Though clearly past his prime, Haslem has put together a strong NBA career with the Heat, averaging 7.9 points per game and 7.0 rebounds per game in 29.1 minutes per contest. While he rarely played in 2015-16, averaging only 7.0 minutes per game in 37 contests, all off the bench, Haslem is the savvy veteran this Heat team will need if they have themselves a tough 2016-17 NBA campaign.

Miami lost Wade in free agency to the Chicago Bulls, failed to attract any marquee free agents, and aren’t sure if Chris Bosh will ever play again with his lingering health concerns stemming from blood clots. Haslem is little more than a bench warmer at age 36 for the Heat, but it’s good to see him back with Miami for at least one more season.

For more NBA free agency news, please check out our NBA free agency category page.