Free agent Jermaine O'Neal spoke out about his free agency and whether he would return to the NBA this season. The Cleveland Cavaliers, the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers are among the teams reportedly interested in signing the veteran center.
O'Neal is drawing some interest from multiple teams, he's still undecided as to whether he wants to return to the league, and if he does, which team he'd want to sign with.
He discussed his mindset in a series of tweets on Tuesday, as compiled by ESPN:
"So I know it's been some talk about if I will play again or not and if so then what team will I choose. So I thought I would speak on this. For 18 long years sports has dominated my families life to a point that they have had to sacrifice things that was important to them. So you can believe now whatever decision I make will be a pure family decision that my family will have a huge part on making with me. Do I still love the game of basketball? Yes without a doubt! Can I physically still play? Probably better than 60% of the bigs in the league today! That's not a knock on anyone but more about how I feel. My decision will not be based off any personal relationships with a city or organization which will be tough because Of the love I got for them. I've been blessed to have the opportunity to play for some great coaches, organizations, and cites and I will always have love for them! But I love my family more than I love life itself and they will have the final say on my playing career or the closing of my bball career! I will say this, if the decision is to play I promise you that when I hit the court I will be ready physically and mentally to help a team!"
Dallas had been reported as the most likely to sign O'Neal, due to the fact he's presently living in the area. Still, Cleveland needs a rim-protector and they look like a title-contender behind LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love. Los Angeles and the Golden State Warriors, his former team, were also mentioned by ESPN as potential landing spots.
If O'Neal does want to play another season, he'll likely sign in February at the latest, which would ensure he's eligible to play in the postseason.
Cleveland is also reportedly pursuing free agent Ray Allen, who's also expected to sign with a team in February.
