Mike Miller opted into the final year of his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier this offseason but was then traded to the Portland Trail Blazers as part of a salary dump. All along it was expected that Miller and the Blazers would agree to a buyout that would make him a free agent and that has happened in the past few days. Miller is set to clear waivers soon and when he does he will reportedly have a contract offer from the Denver Nuggets waiting for him, according to Marc Stein of ESPN.
The offer will likely be for one year and the veteran's minimum but it seems as though Miller might accept it despite supposed interest from other teams. One of the other teams that reportedly had interest in Miller was the Memphis Grizzlies who he has had two separate stints with and most recently had a great year with them in 2013-14.
Last season with the Cavaliers Miller played in 52 games (15 starts) and averaged just 13.5 minutes per game while shooting a career low 33 percent from the field and 33 percent from three which was also a career low. Some scouts said that Miller looked old and unhealthy last season which is why his numbers were so down but he still thinks he could play.
Aside from what he brings from a basketball stand point Miller is one of the most respected players in the NBA who has won two championships in his career. The Nuggets could use some veteran leadership and their depth on the wings is also questionable. Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler are the likely starters on the wings with Randy Foye coming off the bench but after them there are major question marks. Gary Harris is a promising second year man and they like Will Barton but Miller would be a welcome addition to their roster.
Miller is now 35 years old and is coming off the worst season of his career so it is fair to wonder whether he is at the end of his career. Let's not forget though that Miller is a career 41 percent three point shooter and just two seasons ago shot 46 percent from beyond the arc so the best case scenario is that he provides consistent three point shooting to go with his leadership. In general the Nuggets are a very young team so being able to possibly add Miller would be huge for helping their young players grow and learn how to win.
