The Miami Heat announced the expected signing of power forward Juwan Howard on Tuesday, adding to an already deep frontcourt."This is a great addition for us," team president Pat Riley said. "We felt that Juwan's ability to play both the four and five spot would be complimentary to what we have put together. He also gives us incredible professionalism and is a perfect fit behind Chris Bosh and Udonis Haslem."
Howard, 37, averaged 6.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 22.4 minutes in 73 games for Portland last season, including 27 starts. He shot 50.9 percent from the field and 78.6 percent from the free-throw line.
He has played for seven teams in 16 seasons and has career averages of 14.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game.
After LeBron James committed to the Heat, Howard let the Heat know he was interested in signing and money would not be an issue.
"This is a great opportunity," said Howard, who will earn the $1.3 million veteran's minimum. "I'm looking forward to contributing in any way I can toward the success of the team both on and off the court."
Howard, selected fifth overall by Washington in the 1994 NBA Draft, signed a seven-year, $100 million contract with the Heat in July 1996, but the NBA voided the deal because the Heat had exceeded the salary cap.
His signing gives the Heat 12 players under contract, including four centers and three power forwards. Point guard Carlos Arroyo's new deal is expected to be finalized soon.