Jermaine O'Neal: When Given Chance To Join Celtics, 'I Could Not Refuse'

The Celtics made the addition of Jermaine O'Neal official on Wednesday, introducing their newest big man.

"Jermaine provides veteran leadership and experience," said Celtics President of Basketball Operations, Danny Ainge. "His talents are an excellent complement to our core roster." [...]

"When the opportunity arose for me to join an organization like the Celtics, I could not refuse," said O'Neal. "I cannot wait to get to Boston and start to practice with the rest of the team in pursuit of a championship."

As is team policy, financial details were not disclosed, thought reports already indicated that he'll earn the full midlevel exception of $5.76 million this season and a total of around $12 million.

Interestingly enough, O'Neal said he knew what the plans were in Miami, but opted to sign with Boston anyways.

"I knew what they were trying to do [in Miami], and I could have re-signed back with those guys," O'Neal said of his former team, which recruited LeBron James and Chris Bosh to join Dwyane Wade this offseason. "It comes down to fit; it comes down to personality and the style of play. Boston has that all for me.

Jermaine O'Neal: 'It Was Never About The Money'

Nothing has officially been announced by the Celtics, but a good indication that their reported signing of Jermaine O'Neal is true is Jermaine O'Neal telling CSNNE.com that he has signed with the Celtics.

"For me, it was never about the money," O'Neal said in a phone interview from Las Vegas. "I wanted to go somewhere that I felt could compete for a championship. I figure I've got another three or four good years in the league, and I want to position myself to win a championship."

O'Neal added, "I've done pretty much all I wanted to do in the NBA except win a championship. I felt Boston provided the best chance at making that happen."

O'Neal also confirmed to CSNNE that he signed to a two-year deal for the full mid-level exception, which is $5.765 million this season.

Jermaine O'Neal To Receive Full Mid-Level Exception

While there was some hope that O’Neal might sign for only part of the mid-level exception, the Boston Herald is reporting that the deal will be for the full exception figure of $5.765 million for two years.

The Celtics can still make a deal to receive a player on a similar salary using Rasheed Wallace, whose retirement effectively makes him an expiring contract.

Source: Jermaine O'Neal Agrees To Deal With Celtics

The Celtics may have found their newest big man.

Just a day after learning Jermaine O'Neal was "leaning toward" joining the Celtics, the free agent center has reportedly agreed to sign with Boston, this according to Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski.

Wojnarowski reported on Wednesday that Boston’s offer would be for the mid-level exception (roughly $5.8 million) for each of the next two seasons.

O'Neal, an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career at 31 years old, spent his past two seasons with Miami, and in 2009-10, he averaged 13.6 points and 6.9 rebounds in about 28 minutes per game (his lowest total since the 1999-2000 campaign with Portland).

With Kenrdick Perkins out until December (at least), and Rasheed Wallace likely retiring, Boston had actively been looking to sign a big man through free agency. 

Expect plenty more reaction at CelticsBlog.