Mike Miller (Photo : REUTERS)
The Miami Heat are one of at least four teams interested to snag Mike Miller, who is expected to be available in free-agency market after the Cleveland Cavaliers traded him, Brendan Haywood and two second-round picks to the Portland Trail Blazers for cash considerations.
In need of outside shooting and additional veteran voice in the locker room, the Heat are reportedly pursuing the 35-year old sharp-shooter who is also drawing interest from the Memphis Grizzlies, Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks, according to ESPN's Marc Stein. The Golden State Warriors have also been mentioned as another potential destination for the 6-foot-9 vet shooter.
"The Memphis Grizzlies, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Dallas Mavericks may throw their names in the hat to acquire Miller once/if he becomes an unrestricted free agent, according to ESPN's Marc Stein," via the Score.
Miller, who averaged 2.1 points and 1.8 rebounds in 15 minutes per game last season with the Cavaliers, suited for the Heat for three seasons and played pivotal roles in the team's back-to-back championship campaigns in 2012 and 2013.
Luxury tax problems forced the Heat to amnesty Miller's contract in the summer of 2013, a move that reportedly drew the ire of LeBron James.
However, with the Heat emerging as the no.1 threat to the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference, bringing in a clutch shooter and good locker room guy like Miller to South Beach is somewhat ideal. Sources close to players indicates Miller's strong interest to play in South Beach once again, making the Heat the clear-cut frontrunners.
"Whether Miller actually makes sense for the Heat or if the team would want him back (presumably at a much lower salary) remains to be seen.
If Mike Miller gets waived, the Heat should sign him to mess with LeBron.
— Josh Baumgard (@joshbaumgard) July 27, 2015
"Of course, for sentimental Heat fans who are a bit sad about the team parting ways with so many of the supporting players during the Big Three era, re-signing Miller could at least have, um, emotional value," according to Miami New Times writer Kyle Munzenrieder.
The Cavaliers traded Miller, Haywood and two future second-round picks for the Blazers for cash considerations to lower tax bills from $32 million to $4million. James, who ironically opposed the Heat’s move to amnesty Miller two years ago, approved the deal as he believed it’s the right thing to do.
