Udonis Haslem Re-Signs With Miami Heat, Spurns Better Offers

The Miami Heat just might make this super-team work this season. Given that the team will pick up its mid-level and biannual exceptions next season (since the Heat were under the cap this summer they didn't have any exceptions) -- in addition to the few draft picks it hasn't traded away to land LeBron James and Chris Bosh -- there is little doubt Miami should be able to put enough talent around their triumvirate of James, Wade and Bosh to realize their dynastic ambitions down the line. The more immediate question, however, is whether they can scrounge up enough decent role players at or near the NBA-minimum (which is more or less all the Heat can offer) this coming season to challenge the Lakers et. al.

Well, the Heat just got one step closer, with the news that power forward Udonis Haslem will re-sign with Miami, eschewing better offers from the Mavs and Nets among others, according to Ira Winderman of the Miami Sun-Sentinel. Haslem announced his re-signing in a text to reporters, saying:

Turned down full mid level from Dallas and Denver. See u next season.

Haslem reportedly signed for five years and close to $20 million, spurning offers from the Mavs and Nuggets for $34 million over the same time frame. The 6-foot-8 Haslem gives the Heat an experienced rebounder and defender in the post, who can score a little bit as well. The 30-year old Haslem averaged 9.9 points and 8.1 rebounds per game for the Heat last season.