Pistons forward Ben Wallace admitted on Sunday night just how close he was to retirement this past offseason.

"I wasn't going to play," Wallace said. "I was retired. I was about to sign the papers."

Cleveland traded Wallace to Phoenix in the Shaquille O'Neal deal this past June. The Suns were looking for the $18.5 million in savings Wallace's deal provided them.

He took a $10 million buyout from the Suns and after prodding from his family, Wallace signed with the Pistons.

"I rededicated myself to getting stronger and healthier to see if I could rekindle my love for the game," Wallace said.