When Greg Oden was going through the free agency process, it was reported that he was seeking a multi-year deal with a team. Despite his injury history, he wanted something better than the bare minimum. He signed with the Miami Heat for a rumored two-year deal, giving him the contract he wanted and the chance to win a championship right away. However, when Oden signed, it was actually a one-year deal, something his agent, Mike Conley Jr., says his client is thrilled with.
Many were under the belief Oden received a two-year deal, the second year being a player option that he held. The deal seemed surprising. Yes, Oden was a former No. 1 overall draft pick, but he has not played a single minute of basketball since 2009, undergoing three knee surgeries since then. Now reportedly almost at full heath, a one-year deal sounds more realistic.
The Miami Herald reports Conley said that both Oden and the Heat changed their minds and decided a one-year contract was the best option. Now, per league rules, the Heat will not be burdened with Oden's contract in 2014 and the almost $3 million in luxury tax payments that would come along with it. If Oden had the two-year deal and had gotten injured, the Heat would be out of luck. Now, they save themselves from a potential fourth knee injury.
Conley saying Oden also changed his mind about the two year deal seems, well, false. There is no benefit for Oden on not having a second year on the contract. If his comeback attempt fails, he has no backup option and no more money coming into his pocket.
Oden and the Heat remain very optimistic that he can overcome his injury history and be a productive member of the team. Heat star Dwyane Wade said that Oden came to the right place if he wants to remain injury free, stating the Heat training staff if the best around.
"He's come to the right place," Wade said, via the Sun Sentinel. "They will do everything in their power to make sure that he's able to be on the court and be effective. They're doing a good job. Hopefully he doesn't rush it. We take him step by step."
The Heat certainly took a big risk signing Oden, but if the experiment does not work out, at least they saved themselves the financial burdens that could have come along with him.