The Miami Heat announced Saturday that the team has re-signed journeyman forward Juwan Howard to 10-day contract.

Howard, an 18-year NBA veteran, has career averages of 13.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 1,201 games. Over the last two seasons, however, he has appeared in 85 games with the Heat and averaged 2.1 points, 2.0 rebounds and 9.2 minutes per contest.

He was a member of the 2012 NBA champion Heat squad.

"Juwan is a key part of the championship culture here in Miami," Heat president Pat Riley said. "He is essential to this team and can still play this game at a high level in some of our biggest games yet to come. He has a unique veteran savvy and will provide leadership and experience to our team."

The former Michigan product and fifth overall draft pick in 1994, also has stints with Washington, Dallas, Houston, Charlotte and Portland.

Howard was originally signed by Miami as a free agent on July 20, 2010 and brought back by the team on Dec. 9, 2011.