Chris Birdman Andersen And Miami Heat Agree To $1.7 Million Deal

Chris Birdman Anderson will be playing for the Miami Heat for at least one more year.

Andersen, who provided a vital spark for the Miami Heat throughout their championship run last year, has signed a $1.7 million, one-year deal with the reigning champs.

Andersen didn’t score much for the Miami Heat but he was one of the team’s most accurate shooters. He shot better than 80% during the playoffs and some were even calling (possibly ironically) for Birdman to be named the NBA’s MVP.

Yahoo notes that Birdman’s performance in the playoffs (we went from 4.9 ppg in the season to 6.4 ppg) could have enabled him to shop around a little during the off-season.

Birdman could have argued for as much as $3.2 million from the Heat and a longer contract. Anderson agreed to $1.7 million, however, reportedly to keep the team from being hit with a $1.5 million luxury tax.

Oh, he also wanted to win another championship.

Anderen said: “I’m excited to be back with the Miami Heat. I believe we have an opportunity to repeat and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Pat Riley added: “We are ecstatic that Chris Andersen has decided to stay with the Miami Heat. We would not have won the Championship without him & we are looking forward to him having an even better season next year.”

OFFICIAL: The @MiamiHEAT have re-signed Chris Andersen to a 1-year contract.

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) July 10, 2013

[Image Via Instagram]