Udonis Haslem Reportedly Returning to Heat on 1-Year Contract

Forward Udonis Haslem wasn't a featured part of the Miami Heat's rotation during the 2016-17 season, but he is reportedly coming back for a 15th year in the NBA. 

According to Shams Charania of The Vertical, Haslem and the Heat have agreed to a one-year deal for the veteran's minimum.

Haslem averaged just 1.9 points and 2.3 rebounds in 16 games this past season, but he previously developed into one of the marquee players on the Heat during his career since going undrafted out of Florida. He has never played for another franchise and helped Miami capture three championships with his veteran leadership and physical toughness in the paint.

He is also someone who consistently challenged for double-doubles early in his career, and he averaged double-digit scoring three straight seasons from 2006-09.

The 37-year-old veteran has taken more of a back seat in Miami's rotation as he's aged and was essentially a nonfactor the last couple of seasons. Still, he did more than enough during his prime to endear himself to the Heat franchise and fanbase.

In fact, Shaquille O'Neal said Haslem should eventually have his jersey retired by the team, per Tom D'Angelo of the Palm Beach Post, "UD doesn't get a lot of credit but he was the heart and soul of our team. … He's a guy that came to work every day, did whatever the organization asked of him. He even took less money a couple of times just to stay with the Heat. … He should also get his jersey retired because he's my hero."

As far as role players go, Haslem has carved out a memorable career playing alongside some of the best players in generations with O'Neal, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. His prime is in the rearview mirror, but he will still look to provide a toughness and edge when he is on the floor moving into the 2017-18 campaign.

Three championships apparently aren't enough, and he will chase a fourth instead of retiring.