Former Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Andre Miller. (Photo : Getty Images)
Veteran point guard Andre Miller is set to join five-time NBA champions San Antonio Spurs after the Minnesota Timberwolves bought out his contract and waived him last Saturday, recent reports say.
Yahoo Sports' Shams Charania reported that the 39-year-old Miller is currently undergoing the prerequisite physical exam before joining the Spurs this season.
If he passes it, San Antonio will reportedly release point guard Ray McCallum Jr., whom they acquired during an offseason trade with the Sacramento Kings for a future second-round selection. Other reports said that the Detroit Pistons and Los Angeles Clippers are interested in signing McCallum.
Charania noted that Miller "will be eligible for the playoffs" as the buyout transaction was done prior to the March 1 deadline for released players. San Antonio is reportedly keen on adding veteran players to help the team go deeper in the playoffs and possibly contend for the NBA championship once more.
Miller, the 8th overall pick of the 1999 NBA Draft and a 17-year veteran, was seldom utilized by the Wolves this season, only 10.8 minutes per game, as Minnesota is focusing on developing its young guards Andrew Wiggins, Zach LaVine, and Tyus Jones.
There were also reports that the Wolves are set to waive shooting guard Kevin Martin as well to push through with the franchise's so-called youth program.
Miller had averaged only 3.4 points and 2.2 assists in 26 games for Minnesota this season, far below than his career averages of 12.6 points and 6.6 assists.
ESPN indicated that Miller's addition to the Spurs will provide "veteran insurance at the guard position, where the Spurs are currently without top backup Manu Ginobili, who is still recovering from testicular surgery".
"(There's) a little less pain each day," said Popovich regarding Ginobili's condition. "But (it's) a slow process."
The head coach was mum about Miller's reported imminent signing with his team, though, saying that "I've been doing this a long time. I've never talked about who we may or may not sign at any point in the season. We just tell you guys and gals whenever we do something."
If the deal pushes through, Miller will play for the 9th NBA franchise of his career after the Cleveland Cavaliers, Clippers, Denver Nuggets, Philadelphia 76ers, Portland Trail Blazers, Washington Wizards, Sacramento Kings, and the Wolves.
