Quiet one
Years ago
Shaq re commits
NBA star Shaquille O'Neal has signed a new five-year contract to stay with Miami in deal worth around $US100 million.
The All Star centre decided not to exercise the final year of his contract, and has decided to commit to the club he joined at the beginning of last season.
"I'm very excited about my new agreement," O'Neal said. "This contract allows me to address all of my family's long-term financial goals while allowing the Heat the ability to acquire those players that we need to win a championship."
O'Neal won three titles with the Los Angeles Lakers before a spat with Kobe Bryant saw him return to Florida, where he began his career with Orlando.
Heat president Pat Riley said the club was delighted to have secured O'Neal long-term.
"For over a year, the Heat's relationship with Shaquille has been a win-win situation on and off the court," he said. "We have been able to secure one of the most dominant men to ever play the game of basketball as a member of the Heat. At the same time, we have gained flexibility to achieve our ultimate goal of winning an NBA championship."
O'Neal started 73 games last season and averaged 22.9 points and 10.4 rebounds. O'Neal has averaged 26.7 points, 12 rebounds and 2.58 blocks a game in his career.
