2017 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far
Udonis Haslem: 1 year, $2.3 million (Miami Heat)
Free agent Udonis Haslem has signed a one-year, minimum deal to return to the Miami Heat, league sources tell The Vertical.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 20, 2017
Three cheers for legacy signings! On a one-year contract worth $2.3 million, the Miami Heat will keep a franchise all-timer who has spent all 14 of his NBA seasons in South Beach (as most expected would be the case).
In truth, the 37-year-old Haslem is a shell of his former self. He hasn’t averaged more than five points or 20 minutes per game dating back to the 2011-12 season, and last year he averaged a virtually non-existent 1.9 points, 2.3 rebounds and 8.1 minutes per game over 16 measly appearances.
However, this is more about providing Miami’s locker room with a respected veteran presence, as well as rewarding Haslem for his loyalty and ensuring there’s depth in the frontcourt in case of injury. This move is nothing special basketball-wise, but it should make plenty of Heat fans happy.
Bourguet Grade: B-