Udonis Haslem, who played four years of college ball at the University of Florida and been with the Heat his entire 11-year career, has opted out of the $4.6 million player option for next year, Bleacher Report's Ethan J. Skolnick tweeted Saturday.
Haslem doesn't intend to leave the Heat, according to Skolnick. Rather, it is an effort to give Miami's front office as much cap flexibility as possible to go after a marquee free agent this summer.
Haslem, who won three NBA championships with the Heat and is the all-time franchise leader in rebounds, averaged a career low 3.8 points and 3.8 rebounds in 46 games last season because of a host of injuries.
--Marc Weinreich
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As I've been reporting, Haslem -- now that he's opted out -- is open to extension with Miami. Wants to be here. Wheels in motion.
— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) June 28, 2014
And to be very clear, Haslem is doing this to benefit the Heat (and get a little security), not to leave the Heat.
— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) June 28, 2014
As mentioned here previously, once Wade & Bosh opt out, expect Haslem to take 3 years for $8-9M to clear another $1.5-1.9M in space.
— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) June 28, 2014
