Spurs Sign Veteran Porter

Terry Porter's uncertainty about the direction of the Miami Heat prompted him to sign with the NBA champion San Antonio Spurs on Thursday.

The 36-year-old guard agreed to a three-year, $6.6-million contract under the mid-level salary-cap exception.

"When the defending champions ask you to help them repeat, that's something you cannot pass up," Porter told the San Antonio Express-News.

The 14-year veteran spent last season with the Heat and decided to leave after at least two discussions with coach Pat Riley.

"The finances really didn't play a part. The numbers were going to work out the same," Porter told the Sun-Sentinel of Fort Lauderdale. "I just did not know who the players would be in Miami. I didn't know how the scenario would play out."

Porter averaged 10.5 points, 2.9 assists and 2.8 rebounds for the Heat, who were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. His 41 percent shooting from 3-point territory ranked 12th in the NBA.

San Antonio still has a $2.7 million medical exception for forward Sean Elliott, who needs a kidney transplant.

The 6-foot-3, 195-pound Porter can play either guard position.

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