Greg Oden, the former first round pick of the Portland Trailblazers in 2007, last played in an NBA game in the 2009-2010 season. He has gone through a spate of debilitating knee injuries, including microfracture surgeries in both knees. These injuries limited his NBA appearances to just 82 games in four years.

Now, he wants another crack at fulfilling his NBA potential. This time, the former Ohio State standout has taken his talents to South Beach, signing up with two-time NBA champions Miami Heat for a two-year deal. The deal is still under wraps as there was no official announcement yet made by the team or the NBA. The deal is the veteran's minimum under the new NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement.

The NBA is in its off-season phase, with teams investing in veterans and rookies to make up its roster for the coming 2013-2014 season. These investments not only includes players, coaches and trainers but also facilities both on court and off court for the teams' use. The current most valuable team in the league is the New York Knicks, now worth to be around US$1.1 billion. The team also leads all other teams in terms of operating income, which is before earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization at US$83 million in 2011 to 2012.