The name ‘Udonis Haslem’ is synonymous with the Miami Heat. The power forward, who spent 20 years with the franchise has an approximate net worth of $20 million dollars.
On Friday, the 43-year-old, who is the oldest player to ever feature in the NBA Finals, officially announced his retirement from the league.
20 seasons with the Heat
The basketball player, who was born in 1980 in the same city that saw him flourish as one of the most successful franchise players, won a total of 3 NBA championships with the Heat. Haslem joined the league in 2003 as a undrafted player.
Although he was used as a utility player during his last seasons in the league, his stamp on the team that reach this year’s NBA Finals can’t be put into question.
During his most productive year, Haslem made a reported $7 million dollars (2009-2010). When the team went to sign LeBron James and Chris Bosh, Haslem took a pay cut so the team could afford their salaries.
Udonis’ last contract with the Heat was a 2022 one-year deal valued at $2,905,851. In total, it is estimated that he earned around $70 million dollars during his NBA career.
While Haslem never garnered enough attention to get his own shoe or clothing line, he did have endorsement deals with the likes of Coca Cola and Nike.
Haslem is also known as a businessman who owns several food chain franchises like Starbucks, Auntie Anne Pretzels, Subway, Einstein Bros. Bagels, and 800 Woodfired Kitchen in the South Florida area.
He also reportedly owns two low-income housing projects with Dwayne Wade.
Haslem’s retirement announcement
On Friday, Udonis announced to his more than 640 thousand Instagram followers, that his NBA career had come to an end as was expected since the start of last season.
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In his post, the now ex-Heat player poured out his feelings and reflected on his long-time professional career:
“0 years…it’s impossible to put into words what these past 20 years have meant, but y’all know me. I’m damn sure gonna try…I consider myself extremely blessed to say I can leave this game with no regrets. The championships, the accolades, the brotherhood, man it’s hard not to be at peace. Undrafted to a 3x Champion, All-Rookie 2nd Team, Teammate Of The Year, the oldest player to play in an NBA finals game, Miami Heat’s all-time leading rebounder and longest-tenured player, the list goes on…Shout out to my Real #OGs, the teammates that let me be their #OG, and to my family for staying ten toes down through it all… Although this journey has had its ups and downs, I am truly thankful and have no complaints at all… All the way down to leaving money on the table to stay in my city!! You, Miami, made it all worth it!! #three0five4life.”
Udonis finished his message by saying he will dedicate his time to his family and his businesses and that he can’t wait to see his number retired with the only team he called home:
“I will always be the #OG, but now it’s time for the family man and the businessman to get to work…#realonesshineinthedark… #40, see you in the rafters soon. Until then, #OG out