A big man leaves while another enters.

Such is the case for the Miami Heat.

After Chris Bosh announced his desire to join the returning Dwyane Wade with the team for next season, center Jermaine O’Neal signed with the Boston Celtics for a two-year deal worth the full midlevel exception, approximately $11.5 million combined.

Instead of hiring a young gun from the 2010 NBA free-agent class, Boston added another veteran to its roster of aging stars after resigning Paul Pierce and Ray Allen.

The addition of O’Neal will certainly fortify its frontline when rumors regarding Rasheed Wallace’s retirement rings true. Kendrick Perkins is also recovering from an injury suffered in Game 6 of the 2010 NBA Finals.

Jermain O’Neal is part of the 2006 NBA draft class; considered one of the best in history for bringing in Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson and Steve Nash among others where he was picked 17th in the First Round straight out of highschool.

He was an NBA-All Star six times and made the All-NBA Teams three times. He was also named the NBA’s Most Improved Player following the 2001-02 season.

However, various injuries has greatly reduced his effectiveness in the past few seasons.

Please read my related posts:

1. 2010 NBA Free-Agent Signings | Shaquille O’Neal to Boston Celtics! The rumor that Shaq is going to Boston is true after all. Shaquille O’Neal has agreed today to play for...
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3. 2010 NBA Free-Agent Signings | Amare Stoudemire to New York Knicks Amar’e Stoudemire had agreed to play for the New York Knicks starting next season, thereby becoming the first high-profile free...
4. 2010 NBA Free-Agent Signings | Chris Bosh to Miami Heat Chris Bosh of the Toronto Raptors announced today that he would be joining returning Dwyane Wade to the Miami Heat...
5. 2010 NBA Free-Agent Signings | Lebron James to Miami Heat Lebron James has finally made the decision. In a one-hour TV special on ESPN titled “The Decision” last July 8...

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Tags: 2010 nba free agency, 2011 NBA season, boston celtics, miami heat