Last week we reported that veteran big-man Juwan Howard was eyeing Miami as a possible destination for the 2010-11 season. On Tuesday, it became official.
Juwan Howard signed a deal for the veteran minimum salary to join LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh in their search for an NBA title.
In his 16-year career, Howard has never won an NBA championship, and the possibility of winning one in Miami was all too enticing for the seasoned vet. "I'm looking forward to working hard this upcoming season and contributing in any way I can," Howard said in a statement.
14 years ago, the Heat and Juwan agreed to a blockbuster 7-year, $100 million contract - a deal that was voided by the league because the Heat had surpassed the salary cap. Juwan remained a free agent and never ended up joining the Heat - until now.
Howard becomes the 12th man under contract for Miami and projects to be a backup at both power forward and center behind Bosh and Udonis Haslem.
"That's our veteran," said Wade. "To be at the point where he is in his career, we just respect him so much. He's a great guy, you want things to happen to good people."
For the Blazers, the decision is bittersweet. Sure, Howard's on-the-court abilities have diminished throughout the years and it could be tough for him to find viable playing time on a Blazer team stocked full of young talent, but the veteran leadership and focus Juwan brings to the team will be sorely missed.
Luckily for Portland, the re-signing of Marcus Camby should provide the Blazers with an ample amount of veteran savvy in the wake of Howard's departure.
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