‘HeatLifer’ Haslem, 39, returns for 17th season

Miami Heat legend Udonis Haslem is returning to the team for his 17th NBA season on a veterans minimum contract worth just under $2.6 million for one year.

The team announced the deal shortly after the 39-year-old forward posted on Instagram on Tuesday hinting at his return.

Too be continued Heat Nation!!! 1️⃣7️⃣‼️ #og #heatlifer

A post shared by Udonis Haslem (@ud40) on

Signed after going undrafted out of Florida in 2003, Haslem has played exclusively for the Heat since making his NBA debut. He was a part of all three of the franchise’s championships and played a pivotal role in helping Miami go the distance in 2005-06.

He’s now just the sixth player in league history to play such a long career with only one franchise.

“We are proud to welcome our captain back for a 17th season,” Heat president Pat Riley said in a statement. “UD is the heart and soul of Miami and we are proud to have him help lead this team once again.”

The Miami native is the Heat’s all-time leader in rebounds and ranks in the top five in games played, starts, minutes, double-doubles and field goals made.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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