Udonis Haslem is staying with the Miami Heat.

The gritty power forward told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel on Monday that he is spurning more lucrative offers to stay with the only team he has played for in a seven-year career.

Haslem

Shortly after ESPN.com reported Monday that the Denver Nuggets had joined the Dallas Mavericks in the bidding with a strong offer, Haslem sent an e-mail to the Sun-Sentinel reading: "Turned down full mid level from Dallas and Denver. See u next season."

The Nuggets, after being foiled in their pursuit of Jermaine O'Neal, extended a multiyear offer to Haslem starting at the $5.8 million mid-level exception, just as the Mavericks did earlier. The New Jersey Nets were also interested in Haslem.

Denver had an even greater need than Dallas for Haslem. Two of the Nuggets' key big men, KDdidit Martin and Chris Andersen, recently underwent surgical procedures that will rule them out for the start of the season.

But every team that showed interest in Haslem in recent days did so with pessimism that he could be lured him away from Miami, given his strong ties to the area and a close relationship with Wade. The Heat are trying to divide their remaining salary cap space between Haslem and sharpshooter Mike Miller.

Team president Pat Riley has often said that he wants Haslem to be a Heat lifer, such is the regard for the gritty forward's contributions to Miami's title team in 2006. Haslem, 30, earned $7.1 million last season and has averaged 10 points and 8.1 rebounds for his career.

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The Heat realize he is a better player than Noah.

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"He is a loathsome, offensive brute
--yet I can't look away."

I'm really shocked a guy that has already won a ring would turn down what is likely his last big payday. Riley must be very persuasive.

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And for pretty much carrying Bosh's bags to the arena each day no less. Maybe Riley has pictures of these guys.

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Well you know what they say about the first time you say no.

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"Play until it hurts, then play until it hurts to not play."
http://soundcloud.com/darkside124 HOF 2013, MM Champion 2014

He makes them a better team. We'll find out later today what Fisher will do. If Riley convinces him too then Jerry West might be in trouble.

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I agree it makes them better. It is looking like the heat might be able to field a somehwhat legit team around the Big 3. Fisher is on his last legs but at least has big game experience and Miller is a pretty decent 2 guard. Put that with Haslem and Chalmers and that is not nearly as bad of a core as was being predicted with having nothing but D-Leaguers.

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Doesn't the players union have anything to say about all of these guys leaving money on the table to play in miami?

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That's my purse! I don't know you!

It's a championship team. Where the hell are they getting all of this money from? It's not possible for them to be able to sign all of these guys even though the 3 Mi-migos left $6.5M on the table this year.

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Fish will stay with the Lakers from what I am reading

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You never miss your wealth, till your well went dry
Seem like only yesterday, you were here smiling
Now you gone away, but I know you in a better place
No traces of you, what can I do?
Alone and confused

UPDATE: According to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN Los Angeles, Fisher will stay with the Lakers.

"I have decided to continue with Kobe, continue with our teammates and the fans of Los Angeles," Fisher said in a statement. "While this may not be the most lucrative contract I've been offered this offseason, it is the most valuable. I am confident I will continue to lead this team on and off the court. Let the hunt for six begin."
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Derek Fisher flew to Miami on Saturday to meet with Pat Riley about the prospects of playing for the Heat next season.

The team needs cheaper role players to fill in around their trio of stars -- Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh -- and Fisher's verteran savvy, championship experience and shooting ability would certainly be an ideal fit.

But don't expect him to leave L.A.

From Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports: "A source close to Derek Fisher said he's confident the free-agent guard will re-sign with the Los Angeles Lakers instead of going to the Miami Heat."

Though the Heat are a tantalizing option with the Super Friends now on board, Fisher has a lot of loyalty to the Lakers.

At issue seems to be pay and contract length. The Lakers reportedly offered him $2.5 million for next season, but he's seeking a two-year deal around $5 million per -- which is what he made this past season.

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I have been a fan of heat throughout my life, and I think that what we see is a classic example of what Riley does with the whole team is doing. They show us that money does not always prevail and prove all those people and players who have left the bigger teams correctly. So far we have seen LCD miller Haslem with less and we will see more veterans (not Bush), not having won the league and can only be good for the sport.

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christian louboutin

When's the first "white-out" so they can hide all the empty seats?

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Has this post been run through Big Fan's translator?

Sure you have been

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Dude, what the fuck does any of that mean? Seriously, I can't understand any of that stupid shit.

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Kid Cairo's Boers & Bernstein YouTube Channel

Kid Cairo: 2013 March Madness Tournament Winner!

"Cowabunga? Cowa fucking piece of dog shit! This game is diarrhea coming out of my dick!"