Alonzo Mourning and the Toronto Raptors reached agreement on a buyout of the remaining two years of his contract on Friday, clearing the way for the all-star centre to sign with the Miami Heat.
Mourning was acquired by the Raptors on December 17 as part of a trade with the New Jersey Nets that brought Eric Williams and Aaron Williams and two first round draft picks to Toronto in exchange for all-star Vince Carter.
But Mourning, who underwent a kidney transplant in 2003, never reported to Toronto and has remained at his Miami home.
"Since the trade, we have taken the time to fully understand Alonzo's medical situation," said Raptors general manager Rob Babcock in a statement.
"Our doctors have thoroughly reviewed his records and consulted with other independent specialists and have determined that Alonzo does not meet our medical conditions to play for our basketball team.
"While we realize it may be possible for him to play in limited circumstances, we've been able to confirm our expectations that because of his medical issues he would not be able to fit into our long-term strategy of building something sustainable.
"We felt it was in the best interests of the Raptors to reach a financial settlement which would provide us additional financial flexibility."
Terms of the buyout were not released.
A seven-time all-star and twice NBA defensive player of the year, Mourning signed a four year contract worth a reported $22 million with New Jersey in July 2003.
But because of his deteriorating condition caused by the kidney disease focal glomerulosclerosis, Mourning played only 12 games for the Nets in 2003-2004 before undergoing a transplant.
This season, Mourning averaged 10.4 points and 7.1 rebounds in 18 games.
Picked second overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 1992 draft, Mourning has averaged 19.8 points, 9.6 rebounds in his 13-year career.
According to reports, Mourning would like to return to the Heat where he spent eight productive seasons and remains one of the city's most popular athletes.
