NBA Rumors: Heat Expect To Sign Forward To Fill Roster Spot

The Miami Heat have one spot left on their roster going into next campaign and are hoping their three-time NBA champion veteran Udonis Haslem will decide to play one more season. It will be his 17th season with the franchise having joined them in 2003 after he went undrafted in the 2002 NBA Draft.

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald cited a source with knowledge of the situation to reveal that the Heat expect Haslem to join them for one more season and an associate of the player also believes the power forward will spend one more season with the Miami franchise. Barring a sudden change of heart, he should be part of the Heat roster for the 2019-20 season.

Heat waived Yante Maten last week and that was in anticipation of Haslem’s imminent arrival but if he changes his mind, the franchise will look for another veteran to occupy the final roster spot. The 39-year-old will earn $2.6 million on a veteran’s minimum deal but only $1.6 million will count against the Heat’s cap charge.

Haslem has been a bit part player for Heat in recent seasons and played just 10 games last season, a total of 74 minutes. He is likely to have a similar role this season with the Heat more interested in his leadership skills on and off the court and they are keen to have an experienced player in the locker room following the retirement of team leader Dwayne Wade this summer.

In June, Haslem, through an Instagram post, indicated that he has no plans of retiring anytime soon and made it clear that he will continue training like he is preparing for another season. The Miami Herald report also claims that his training regimen has been like a player already part of an NBA roster.

“It makes sense why most think I should retire at 39. Cause most would. Cause most are average minded. Most don’t look like this at 39! Hell they ain’t look like this at 19. Lol,” Haslem wrote. “So y’all keep worrying about the last spot on the roster while I sit back and stay ready so I don’t gotta get ready. I’m not saying I’m playing next year but if u with me then u will support whatever I do!! Not tell me what to do!!”