By Surya Fernandez
Free agent forward Shane Battier just announced on Twitter that he will indeed be signing with the Miami Heat, likely tomorrow when teams are allowed to sign free agents. 
What remains unclear is the status of Heat players Mike Miller, who believes he won't be an amnesty cut, and restricted free agent Mario Chalmers. It is unlikely, though technically possible, that Battier will sign the smaller bi-annual $1.9 million exception the Heat can employ. Without Miller, the Heat would be free to sign Battier to the larger $5 million exception which is more along the lines of his price range. Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski earlier this week broke down what the Heat could realistically offer him.
Battier would a portion – or all – of Miami's midlevel exception. Depending on the Heat's maneuvering above or below the luxury-tax threshold, he could be eligible for up to a four-year, $20 million contract or a three-year, $9.4 million deal under the terms of the new collective bargaining agreement.
Battier was courted by several teams including the Orlando Magic and San Antonio Spurs with the 33-year-old small forward eager to join a playoff contender and get his first ring. In addition to playing for Memphis, Battier was with the Houston Rockets from 2006 through last year before being re-acquired by the Grizzlies.
Here are Battier's comments on Twitter just before his announcement:
"The Lockout gave me a lots of time to consider what was important to me at this stage of my life and career. Over the last week, I've played out every scenario in my head over and over. It always came back to one thing for me: a winning role. I am appreciative of all the kind words and recruiting pitches over the last week, thank you!!"
"This was a exciting process and after much deliberation, I would like to quote the great poet Jimmy Buffett and take my chances "Trying to Reason with Hurricane Season"
Get more great Miami Heat analysis over at Hot Hot Hoops.