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Miami Heat: 3 reasons why Devin Harris is a perfect fit for the culture

By Brandon Johnson

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 19: Josh Richardson #0 of the Miami Heat laughs with Devin Harris #34 of the Denver Nuggets during the second half of the game at American Airlines Arena on March 19, 2018 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - MARCH 19: Josh Richardson #0 of the Miami Heat laughs with Devin Harris #34 of the Denver Nuggets during the second half of the game at American Airlines Arena on March 19, 2018 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images) /
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MILWAUKEE – NOVEMBER 18: Keyon Dooling #55 and Devin Harris #34 of the New Jersey Nets look on from the bench during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 18, 2009 at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Bucks won 99-85. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE – NOVEMBER 18: Keyon Dooling #55 and Devin Harris #34 of the New Jersey Nets look on from the bench during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 18, 2009 at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Bucks won 99-85. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Wise Old Man

Trying to pin down Wade’s plans for the 2018-19 season has been difficult.

He’s stated that his return to the NBA for a 16th season would be with Miami, without a doubt. But getting him to commit to another season in South Beach has eluded the front office.

Wade has suggested that any basketball decisions won’t come at least until he returns from China, where he recently signed a lifetime partnership with apparel brand Li-Ning.

"“When I get back from China, I’ll focus on that,” Wade said of continuing his Heat tenure. “Right now, I’m focused on the game after basketball. Whatever happens in basketball, it happens. I’ve done everything that I can to this point to put myself that I’m in this position I am today, where I can do something that hasn’t been done globally yet. The basketball will take care of itself. I’ll sit down and figure that out once I get back from this tour at some point.”"

Miami currently has a pair of roster spots open (not including a second available two-way contract) that they are almost assuredly going to offer Wade and Haslem.

But with Haslem’s future with Miami also under speculation, Harris could fill the veteran void Miami would have without their pair of locker room leaders.

In 14 seasons, Harris has played in roles more relatable to the average NBA player than Wade or Haslem. An All-Star in 2009, Harris never had the total career control Wade enjoyed. Nor did he earn the organizational loyalty that Miami offered Haslem.

When the Mavericks parted ways with Harris last February, he approached the trade with cordial saavy.

"“Sometimes you just got to see the writing on the wall,” Harris said. “We were playing our young guys a little bit more trying to bring those guys along. I’m a wily veteran now and sometimes, you just crunch the numbers.”"

The Heat are currently trying to find a way to turn its roster into a competitive Eastern Conference force. For as much as Haslem and Wade’s war stories might encourage the Heat’s youth, Harris’ career offers them a more likely analog.

If the Heat can retain Wade and Haslem, they should absolutely do so. But if one or both goes walking, Harris can step in to be the voice Miami that needs during times of change.

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