A person with knowledge of the negotiations says the Celtics are making progress on a deal that would bring Shaquille O'Neal to Boston.

Earlier Tuesday, the four-time NBA champion said he will be in the league next season and would rather retire than play internationally.

The 38-year-old O'Neal spent last season with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He has struggled to find a contract from a team that can guarantee him playing time, enough money and a chance for one more championship.

He won three NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers and another with the Miami Heat.

• The Heat will open the season in Boston on Oct. 26 while the Lakers will host the Rockets in the second game of the doubleheader … The Heat signed veteran guard Eddie House to a $2.8 million, two-year contract. … Backup point guard Jason Williams and the Magic agreed to a new deal. … LeBron James is showing appreciation to his hometown fans with a full-page newspaper ad in the Akron Beacon Journal.