For a while, Jermaine O'Neal pondered the possibilities of playing alongside Tim Duncan.

Ultimately, he decided to try to be like Tim Duncan.

Taking a cue from the San Antonio star who turned his back on free agency three years ago to stick with the Spurs, the All-Star forward has decided to remain an Indiana Pacer.

O'Neal said Wednesday that he will re-sign with the Pacers on July 16, the first day free agents can put signatures on contracts. He'll receive the maximum allowed, a seven-year deal worth about $120 million -- the largest ever awarded by the franchise.

O'Neal might have had a chance to sign with the defending champion Spurs and play with Duncan, the league's Most Valuable Player the past two seasons. He was scheduled to visit San Antonio, along with Dallas, this week but canceled those trips after reaching his decision Saturday morning.