Report: Miami Heat re-sign Udonis Haslem to veteran minimum

After a long wait, the Miami Heat have finally re-signed Udonis Haslem to a one-year deal.

The Miami Heat brought back most of last season’s team but, three weeks into free agency, there has been noticeable absence: Udonis Haslem.

As soon as they got word of Gordon Hayward’s decision, Pat Riley and Andy Elisburg moved quickly to re-sign James Johnson and Dion Waiters. They also added another big man in former Boston Celtic Kelly Olynyk.

But Elisburg, ever the salary cap expert, is particular in the order in which he makes signings. Miami was able to squeeze Johnson, Waiters and Olynyk just under the cap. Certain cap rules dictated that the Heat shouldn’t sign Haslem too soon. Haslem has long been expected to take the veteran’s minimum, and teams can go over the cap to sign players to such deals.

Still, Miami took their sweet time. However, Haslem’s return was never in doubt. According to The Vertical’s Shams Charina, Haslem has agreed to a one-year, minimum deal with the Heat.

Why did it take so long for the Heat and Haslem to hash out a deal? The Palm Beach Post’s Anthony Chiang writes not to worry.

"Because the Heat and Udonis weren’t really in a rush.Udonis is expected to re-sign with Miami when he returns from his annual trip to China with Dwyane Wade as part of the Way of Wade tour. Miami has no salary cap space remaining, which means the Heat can only offer Udonis the $4.3 million room exception or a minimum contract.Most expect Udonis to get the $2.3 million veteran minimum contract he’s eligible for, as Pat Riley has said he hopes to “hold on” to the room exception to sign a player down the road. But remain calm, a deal between the Heat and Udonis should come soon."

Haslem has played for the Heat throughout his entire 14-year career. He played in just 16 games last season, averaging 1.9 points, 2.3 rebounds and 8.1 minutes per appearance, but his value to team isn’t felt when he’s on the court.

Haslem is the 6-foot-8 embodiment of “Heat Culture.” He’s a locker room leader, the hall monitor that keeps the rest of the young team in line. Having him as part of the team provides valuable leadership from a source outside of the coaching staff. Even at 37 years old, he still finds a way to relate to young players and contribute.

On Thursday, Heat owner Micky Arison tweeted “UD”, signaling the imminent return of Haslem.

There was a moment where some Heat fans were concerned Haslem might join LeBron James in Cleveland, thanks to a picture of Haslem in a Cavaliers jersey posted by his son. That turned out to be much ado about nothing.

Earlier this summer, Haslem’s front gate was decorated in memorabilia celebrating his career.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWDfgNwFOPA/

Next: Can Dion Waiters become the All-Star the Heat are missing?

So don’t worry, Heat fans. Haslem will be back next season, scowling on the bench and, every once in a while, hitting you with a patented 15-foot baseline jumper.