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Miami Heat: 10 stars you forgot played for the Heat

By Sam DiGiovanni

NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 22: Amar'e Stoudemire #5 of the Miami Heat react after scoring against the New Orleans Pelicansduring the first half at Smoothie King Center on March 22, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 22: Amar'e Stoudemire #5 of the Miami Heat react after scoring against the New Orleans Pelicansduring the first half at Smoothie King Center on March 22, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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8. Jermaine O’Neal

Multi-time All-Star center Jermaine O’Neal found his way to Miami via trade in 2009.

After spending the first four seasons of his career with the Portland Trail Blazers, O’Neal was traded to the Indiana Pacers. In eight seasons with Indy, O’Neal made six All-Star teams, three All-NBA teams and won the Most Improved Player award.

O’Neal was traded to Toronto in the summer of 2008 and then to Miami in February of 2009, along with Jamario Moon, a 2010 second-round pick and a 2011 first-round pick.

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In his introductory press conference, O’Neal described the Heat as “almost a perfect fit, as far as the style of play and the things they like to do.” Head coach Erik Spoelstra and franchise centerpiece Dwyane Wade were excited for O’Neal’s arrival, as was he.

"“It gives you added motivation to come in and play even harder,” Jermaine O’Neal said. “The type of team that they have, I was very, very excited about. Looking at the roster and actually getting out there today and practicing with those guys, it’s even better in person. So I’m very, very excited about the opportunity and the things I can present and bring to the team.”"

In 97 games with Miami, O’Neal started in all of them and averaged 13.4 points and 6.5 rebounds on 51.3 percent shooting. In the 2009-10 season, he set his career-high in field goal percentage in a season with 52.9 percent.

After that season, O’Neal left in free agency for another Eastern Conference heavyweight, the Boston Celtics, citing that they were a better fit for him than Miami.

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