NBA: Heat re-sign guard Mario Chalmers

Miami: Mario Chalmers, who has spent his entire six-year career with Miami, has re-signed with the Heat, the National Basketball Association team announced on Monday.

The 1.88m guard played 73 games for the Heat last season and averaged 9.8 points and 4.9 assists. He also shot 38 per cent from three-point range.

“It’s great to have Mario back,” said Heat president Pat Riley. “We’re happy that he wants to continue his career in Miami. He’s one of our core players.”

Miami is trying to stay a play-off contender following superstar LeBron James’ surprise decision to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

In addition to Chalmers, Miami have reportedly reached agreement with Chris Bosh, Luol Deng and Chris Andersen.

In 439 career games, Chalmers has averaged 8.6 points, 3.8 assists, 2.4 rebounds and 1.5 steals.

Chalmers has appeared in 99 play-off games and has averaged 8.8 points, 3.2 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals.