The Cleveland Cavaliers traded Mike Miller to the Blazers with Brendan Haywood and once Portland buys out Miller he will be a free agent and reports have teams like the Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies, Oklahoma City Thunder, Dallas Mavericks and New York Knicks as potential landing spots for the shooter.
The Cavaliers have been looking to deal Haywood's contract this offseason and the move with Miller allows the veteran to find a better playing situation. Miller's role with the Cavaliers likely would be minimized this season with Iman Shumpert, Mo Williams and potentially Matthew Dellavedova and JR Smith returning and now he has a chance to find a new team. According to Marc Stein at ESPN, the Blazers are expected to buy out Miller and teams like the Mavericks, Thunder and Grizzlies are potential landing spots for the guard.
The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that Miller "approved" the trade to the Blazers due to the possibility of getting minutes there, but it looks like he is getting waived. Miller received a $400,000 trade kicker and now he could have the chance to get things going and it comes as LeBron James was reportedly "okay" with the deal. The trade gives the Cavs some flexibility and Miller comes in after averaging just 2.1 points and 1.8 rebounds per game while shooting 32 percent from the field.
Pro Basketball Talk reports that the Golden State Warriors also could have interest in adding Miller. Miller is 35 and he was in a reserve role last season and he is looking for a place where he can contribute in the rotation. Stein reports that OKA, Dallas and Memphis are options and "expected suitors" for Miller, but he also points out that Miller may have to wait to find a new team, as most teams have their rosters set for camp and "roster spots scarce this late in July." Either way, Miller should be a target for teams once he is permitted to sign.
The Mavericks were reportedly interested in adding Jason Terry for some offensive bench help and Miller could fit that role, while the Grizzlies are likely the favorites due to that past connection. The Thunder could be an option, but Pro Basketball Talk reports that the team has 14 guaranteed contracts on the roster and that they are likely using their last one for first-round pick Josh Huestis. Memphis also has 15 so if that is the place where Miller ends up, the team likely will have to make a move.
Miller spend time with Memphis a couple year ago after playing in Miami with James and the he followed LeBron to Cleveland. Miller did not contribute much this season and moving forward his role with the team was going to be nothing more than a reserve player. James has a lot of respect for Miller and that is why he likely was okay with the team making the move and trading away the guard. The Haywood deal allows the Cavs to cut tax and opens things up for the team to sign back free agents.
Check here for more on the potential targets for Mike Miller.
