The Miami Heat announced today that they have signed nine-time NBA All-Star guard Gary Payton. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

?We are very fortunate to have been able to acquire a player of Gary Payton?s stature,? said HEAT President Pat Riley. ?He is a proven veteran and will be a big addition to this team.?

Payton appeared in 77 games (77 starts) for the Boston Celtics last season, averaging 11.3 points, 6.1 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.14 steals in 33.0 minutes per game, while shooting 46.8 percent from the field. He ranked 12th in the league in assists per turnover (3.17), 13th in assists per game, 14th in assists per 48 minutes (8.9) and 16th in total assists (469). During the course of the season, he was traded to the Atlanta Hawks, along with Tom Gugliotta, Michael Stewart and a 2007 first round draft choice, in exchange for Antoine Walker and cash considerations. Payton was then re-signed by the Celtics after being released from the Hawks.