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		Shaq Stays In Florida By Jeremy Kahn August 2, 2005
	Shaquille O'Neal of the Miami Heat shouts to his teammates during Game Seven of the Eastern Conference finals against the Detroit Pistons in Miami on June 6. (AP Photo/Luis Alvarez)
	Despite the return of Phil Jackson to the Los Angeles Lakers, Shaquille O’Neal will not be returning to the city where he won three straight World Championships from 2000-2002. O’Neal will stay in Miami to play for the Miami Heat, a team that came within one game of making their first ever NBA Finals appearance before losing to the Detroit Pistons 89-84 in game seven of the Eastern Conference this past spring. O’Neal signed a five-year $100 million contract to remain with the Heat, instead of moving to another team for the fourth time in his NBA career. He will make $20 million dollars per year over the next five years. O’Neal was to have earned $30.6 million dollars this season, but opted out of that contract to sign his new deal with the Heat. O’Neal averaged 22.9 points and 10.4 rebounds in his first season back in the Eastern Conference. He also led the league with a 60.1 field goal percentage. O'Neal ranked sixth in the league in blocks (2.34 a game), double-doubles (43) and rebounds.