The Miami Heat will have their high-five (and occasional three-point) specialist back for 2011-2012.
Eddie House accepted a player option that will pay him $1.4 million next year to be the Heat's emergency point guard.
House is not expected to start for Miami, but he is an experienced veteran who could step in if Miami's other point guards get injured or disappoint. Recent draftee Norris Cole is very much an unknown factor, and Mario Chalmers will entertain other offers that the Heat may not match.
House rejoined the Heat in 2010, having bounced around eight teams after spending his first three pro seasons in Miami. He only started one game last season, the regular season finale. He made the most of the opportunity, scoring a career high 35 points in a Heat win.
House barely saw the floor during Miami's 2011 Finals run, but he did get some action in the Finals when Mike Bibby proved unable to defend Dallas' guards.
In the final game of the 2010-2011 regular season, House scored a career high 35 points in a Heat win.
House is a good locker room presence and he brings intangibles as well, owning the best celebratory dance on the Heat.
But with an NBA lockout taking effect at 12:01 am Friday, this could be the last bit of free agency news for awhile.
