Jermaine O'Neal is about to get his feet wet.
The currently injured Miami Heat center and former Indiana Pacers money-sucking contract will be testing the free agent waters this summer. His seven-year, $126-million contract that the Pacers gave him in 2003 is finally done this season. Obviously, money is not an issue.
He's looking for a championship contender, some place where he can sign a four or five-year-deal where he can finish out his career. "I'm looking forward to it because basically it's the stretch run for me," O'Neal said. "I don't plan on playing past the next four or five years. I definitely want to make a decision and put myself in the best position to compete for a championship."
Now hitting the ripe age of 31 years old, O'Neal will get his first chance at becoming a free agent during his career. O'Neal let it known yesterday that in 2003, when O'Neal would have been a free agent with the Pacers, the center didn't bother looking around the rest of the league as he opted to land the big money deal with the blue and gold. O'Neal said that only the Spurs offered a deal to O'Neal that summer.
O'Neal missed his third game in a row with a hyperextended right knee, sitting on the sidelines of the Fieldhouse while watching teammate Dwyane Wade destroy the Pacers last night. He is averaging 13.8 points and 7.1 rebounds this season.
Check out some links after the jump.
- AP Story
- Box Score
- NBA.com Recap
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PACERS: Inside the Game: Heat 105, Pacers 96
Bruno's Inside the Game report has all of the numbers, notes, quotes and highlights from the win. -
Wade torches Pacers for 43 to halt streak
Mike Wells recaps what happened between Dwyane Wade and the Pacers last night at the Fieldhouse. -
O'Neal considers his next (last) move
Jermaine O'Neal is going to be busy this summer, so Mike Wells checks in on him while also noting that T.J. Ford suffered another injury setback this week. -
Dwyane Wade scores 43 as Heat get overtime win in Indiana
SB Nation's Peninsula is Mightier recaps the game from the Heat fans' perspective. -
Dwyane Wade's 43 points helps Miami Heat prevail over Indiana Pacers
The Miami Herald tackles the recap while oozing love for their star player. -
Miami Heat's Jermaine O'Neal (knee) sits out again
O'Neal and the Miami Heat staff are sending mixed signals about who is dictating when O'Neal can return to action with the Heat, according to the Miami Herald. -
Ron Artest’s Reality Show
Eight Points, Nine Seconds checks in with Ron Artest's new reality show. -
The D-Wade Show
Mike Wells blogs about the excitement the people of Conseco had watching Wade perform like a superstar.