Haslem reamins a Heat.

[SLAB]

Haslem Takes Less Money to Remain In Miami

Miami Herald - Udonis Haslem has decided to remain with the Miami Heat for less money than he could have earned elsewhere.

The Miami Heat and the free agent forward have agreed to a new five-year deal worth expected to be worth around $34 million.

"The Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly had been willing to offer Haslem a deal worth up to $10 million more than the Heat's offer, but Haslem was satisfied with the way the Heat handled the negotiations. The Heat met with Haslem's agent, Jason Levien, at midnight July 1, the earliest teams were allowed to meet with free agents."

''This is where Udonis wanted to be all along,'' Levien said late Tuesday. ``This is where his heart is.''

The team still hopes to address it's point guard situation with their Mid-Level Exception.

A few possibilities are Grizzlies guard Earl Watson and/or using that money to re-sign Damon Jones or Keyon Dooling

 

[SLAB]

You know, I say that's a good move on his part.

He thrived off little pops from the wing, when his man doubled Shaq. Who knows if he'd have gotten those looks in Cleveland.

 

[Ryle]

You know, I say that's a good move on his part.

He thrived off little pops from the wing, when his man doubled Shaq. Who knows if he'd have gotten those looks in Cleveland.

His game, or lack thereof, would have been exposed had he left Shaq's side. Good for him....

 

[Venom]

Should have taken the money and played alongside Lebron for the next 5 years. But he grew up in Miami, went to Florida, and now plays for the Heat, so I guess he's just a Florida guy. I don't fault him. I think this is one situation where you could make a pretty good case for either decision.

 

[Evenstar]

nice story. his best chances for the title are staying in miami for the short term. and who's to say lebron stays in cleveland?

 

[Geoff]

Playing with Shaq and DWade vs. playing with LeBron...

kinda like choosing between a BMW and an Audi still, who's gone further in the playoffs? I think he made the right choice. Besides, who'd want to leave Miami to live in Cleveland?

 

[captain bill]

Miami is an established contender and can go far. Smart move by Haslem, sticking to his team even for less money. Always nice to see that.

Downside is that Haslem is a young guy and Shaq will be done in a few years. I don't know if that team will stay good when it's only Wade. We'll see.