Jermaine O’Neal rumors: O’Neal will retire or play for Golden State Warriors

Golden State Warriors’ veteran big man Jermaine O’Neal credits the Warriors with revitalizing his career but the 35-year old is currently contemplating retirement.

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According to Zach Links of Hoops Rumors, O’Neal will either return to the Warriors for one more season or will retire.

"“It’s been a fantastic run,” the six-time All-Star said, while adding that he’d ask his 8-year-old son for input. “You never picture your last game being one where you can’t be effective in a Game 7. That’s a tough pill to swallow.”O’Neal went on to thank his teammates in Golden State for “injecting life back into [his] soul” and said that he would consider a front office job with the Warriors if he doesn’t continue his playing career. You never know what might happen if an attractive contender comes calling, but as far as we know, it’s a two horse race between the Warriors and retirement at this point for O’Neal. With a long, accomplished career, plenty of cash in the bank, and a young family at home, no one would fault O’Neal for calling it quits this summer."

O’Neal put up 7.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game while shooting 50.4% from the field and 75.0% from the free throw line last season. O’Neal was drafted with the 17th-overall pick in the first round of the 1996 draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. Over the course of his 18-year career, he’s played for the Warriors, Blazers, Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns. He’s averaged 13.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game during his career.

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