Juwan Howard Wants to Play One More Year for the Miami Heat

Juwan Howard and his agent are working hard to secure one final deal for the veteran forward in Miami. The Heat have yet to extend an offer to the 39-year old, who isn’t ready yet to retire. Per Fox Sports: “Forward Juwan Howard won’t be with the Miami Heat to start training camp. But his agent is hopeful he eventually will join the team. ‘I’m always optimistic,’ David Falk said. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra had told reporters earlier Thursday that Howard, an 18-year veteran who played the past two seasons with Miami, would not be in camp for Saturday’s start but did not rule out he eventually could join the team. Falk said he’s continuing to try to get Howard signed. ‘Juwan has a very strong affinity (for the Heat),’ Falk said. ‘We’re trying to work it out … He’s interested in playing another season for the Heat.’ Falk stressed Howard, 39, does not want to retire. He said his client is focusing on a return to Miami, where Falk said has developed great relationships with Heat players, coaches and management. ‘He absolutely is not considering retiring, and he would like to play another year,’ Falk said. ‘He absolutely had a wonderful experience last year with the Heat … He’s had other inquires (from teams), but he wants to stay where he is.’ Howard, who played mostly an off-the-court leadership role, averaged 1.5 points in 28 games last season while making the minimum of $1.352 million and winning his first title. The Heat only can pay Howard that same salary this season.”