Even if he's not playing for the Heat, Jermaine O'Neal could greatly help the club next season.

O'Neal's contract will expire at the end of the 2009-10 season, and it could be used as a trade chip.

He exercised the option on his contract, which is worth $23 million, for next season on Tuesday.

Michael Wallace of the Miami Herald mentioned that the Heat could attempt to use O'Neal in a deal for a big man like Amare Stoudemire.

Via Miami Herald

Miami Heat

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