Udonis Haslem: Latest News, Rumors, Speculation Surrounding Free-Agent Veteran
Udonis Haslem has spent his entire career with the Miami Heat, but that could change this summer with teams having money to spend.
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Report: Nuggets, T-Wolves Interested in Haslem
Saturday, July 2
Per Ethan J. Skolnick of the Miami Herald, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets have shown an interest in Haslem.
The 36-year-old Haslem could be one of the few low-cost options available this summer. He's not at an age where he can ask for big money, nor has his performance in recent years warranted a big contract.
Last year, for instance, Haslem appeared in just 37 games and tore the plantar fascia in his left foot during a game against the Detroit Pistons in April. He was largely ineffective when he did play, averaging 1.6 points and two rebounds in seven minutes per game.
A 13-year veteran, Haslem told Jason Lieser of the Palm Beach Post in no uncertain terms that his ideal scenario would be to end his career with the Heat:
"I would love to be here. I still can play this game, obviously. When Coach threw me out there, I was able to help the team and produce. There’s a business side to everything, so you never know. It’s been great here. I’ve had a great and amazing career here, but there’s always a business side of things that you can’t control. We’ll see.
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The Heat have had more pressing matters to deal with. Hassan Whiteside confirmed in an article on the Players' Tribune that he's staying in Miami, but Dwyane Wade is still out there negotiating with other teams.
The Timberwolves and Nuggets already have starters entrenched at power forward in Karl-Anthony Towns and Kenneth Faried, respectively. But they are also teams that need to establish an identity to get in the playoff mix.
A strong veteran presence like Haslem, who can also act as a mentor for young talent, would be a strong addition to any roster. He's not going to contribute a lot on the court, but his impact on a team would be profound.
