Miami Heat veteran opens up on declining bigger contract - "(Would've) f***ed the whole locker room up" 

Miami Heat veteran Udonis Haslem has explained why he declined a fat contract offer by the Denver Nuggets.

Haslem has been around the NBA for over 20 seasons now and has stayed with the Heat since his rookie season, as he's considered a symbol of "Heat Culture". Haslem has won three championships with the Heat and was teammates with a star-studded cast of players like Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Shaquille O'Neal, Alonzo Mourning, Chris Bosh and Jimmy Butler.

On "The Pivot Podcast", Haslem talked about being offered a $40 million contract by the Denver Nuggets:

"At that time, the first contract, it was offered from Denver," Haslem said. "I got 33 (million) from the Heat. Denver offered me 40 (million). I just didn’t think I was a good fit for Denver. I just didn’t think I could fit there. … You ain’t lookin’ at evolved U.D., you lookin’ at U.D. that (would've) f***ed the whole locker room up. So I can’t go there. That wasn’t for me at that time."

After winning the championship in 2003, the Miami Heat had a recipe for success, especially with Dwyane Wade being the face of the franchise. For Haslem, it wouldn't have made much sense to transition into a mentor role for an inexperienced Nuggets team.

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Udonis Haslem's future with Miami Heat

Udonis Haslem has played with the Miami Heat for most his career. He has seen the franchise grow throughout the years from consecutive championship seasons to rebuilding ones.

However, after playing 20 seasons with the Heat, Haslem confirmed that his retirement will happen by the end of the season.

"I'm done," Haslem said. "I'm done no matter what happens. I gave my contribution. I think at this stage, there needs to be another voice for these guys. It's time for somebody to step up and be the voice."