Well, it is official. Former Gator Udonis Haslem has declined free agent offers so he could sign back with the Heat for 5 years worth near $20 million, which is more than $10 million less he could have received on his check if he would of took the offers from the Dallas Mavericks and the Nuggets. It shows you that Haslem isn’t playing just for the money, but for the passion and love of the game. Yet again, the decision of LeBron James and Chris Bosh to sign with the Heat has a lot to do with it I bet you that. But Haslem has Florida all in his blood. From being born in Miami and playing high school ball there, to playing for the Florida Gators and then for the Heat back in his hometown. He even has a tattoo of the state of Florida covering his whole entire back. How could you possibly play for another team if you have that much love and pride for your hometown?

“I would be changing my DNA if I left just for money,” Haslem said. [ESPN Reported]

Marc Stein stated that Haslem sent in an email to South Florida Sun-Sentinel that said; “Turned down full mid level from Dallas and Denver. See u next season.”

Haslem was wanted by the Nets as well. He had seen great offers from several teams wanting to sign him, but money wasn’t everything to him. The Nuggets wanted to give him a huge offer, bigger than any other team was going to give Haslem because of the injuries of Kenyon Martin and Chris “Birdman” Andersen who both recently had surgery that will keep them out for the season.

Haslem, who just turned 30 this past June, earned a total of $7.1 million last season with the Heat. He averaged 10 points and 8 boards each game during his career. He also was a huge contribute to the Heats 2006 NBA Championship, the same year Billy Donovan and the Florida Gators won the NCAA title.

“It’s good to be back,” Haslem said.

[Quotes gathered by Marc Stein.. NBA writer for ESPN]