Juwan Howard Joins Heat

Juwan Howard has been signed by the Miami Heat, and this time, the NBA is not raising hell. Howard agreed to play for the veterans’ minimum salary, reuniting him with Heat president Pat Riley, who thought to have landed the University of Michigan star back in 1996 for a $100 million, seven-year contract.

The 1996 contract was eventually voided by the NBA for violating salary cap rules, allowing the then-Washington Bullets to keep the 1994 Draft’s 5th overall pick. This time though, there would not be any problem as the 17-year veteran agreed to receive the minimum for the chance to win a championship.

Riley, who thought then of partnering Howard with Alonzo Mourning, still believes that the 37-year-old Chicago native will fit right to a Miami Heat team that now includes LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh. “We feel that Juwan’s ability to play both the four and five spot will be complimentary to what we have put together,” Riley said.

Howard’s signing gives the Heat 12 players on their roster. He is not expected to contribute much on points but his experience is something that the Heat could use. “I’m looking forward to working hard this upcoming season and contributing in any way I can,” Howard said.

Miami is Howard’s eighth team in a 17-year career. He averaged 6 points last year in 73 games for the Portland Trail Blazers.