Denver Stiffs - NBA Free Agent Rumors: Nuggets still in hunt for Mike Miller

Report: Mike Miller joins Cavaliers

2014-07-15T15:43:22-06:00

Alonzo J. Adams-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Nuggets were in pursuit of 34 year-old sharpshooter Mike Miller, but according to ESPN's Chris Broussard, he will sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The moves reunites Miller with LeBron James, it was reported that James wasn't thrilled that Miller was dumped by the Heat before the 2013-14 season.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Sources: Mike Miller will sign with Cleveland. 2 yr deal with player option after 1 yr. Miller turned down more $ from Houston & Denver</p>— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chris_Broussard/statuses/489156610330464257">July 15, 2014</a></blockquote>

There were multiple rumors that Miller was also considering the Nuggets and the Rockets. He will sign a two-year deal with the Cavs for $5.5 million, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Miller will sign a two-year, $5.5M deal with Cavs, league source tells Yahoo Sports.</p>— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/statuses/489158717120598016">July 15, 2014</a></blockquote>

The move to add Miller in Denver would have been a curious one. Head Coach Brian Shaw wants some veteran presence on the team and the addition of Arron Afflalo added to that. The Nuggets may still to look some veteran leadership, no word yet on whom they could target next.

Report: Mike Miller was offered 3 years by Nugs

2014-07-13T14:37:29-06:00

Mike Miller | Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports

According to a couple tweets from Jeff Goodman of ESPN, the Nuggets made a three year offer to Mike Miller. Is this a good thing?

According to Jeff Goodman from ESPN, the Nuggets had offered 3 years $12 million to Mike Miller prior to the free agent forward halting talks with team to pursue teaming up with LeBron James in Cleveland with the Cavaliers.

Mike Miller looking at Denver, Cleveland -- and Houston and Dallas in play for whichever does not get Chandler Parsons, source told ESPN.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) July 13, 2014

Cavs offer to Miller is for two years and about 5.5 million while Denver offering 3 years and 12 million, source told ESPN.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) July 13, 2014

What is a bit stunning about this offer is that said offer (if true) would put the Nuggets very close to luxury tax territory with the contract for 16th pick in the draft Yusuf Nurkic still pending. The Nuggets offer of three years at what averages out to be $4 million per is substantially larger than the Cavs offer of roughly $2.75 million per. Will that be enough to lure Miller to Denver? Or will the prospect of playing, once again, with LeBron James win the day?

I'm skeptical that this is completely accurate considering the Nuggets current roster situation. Maybe be a leverage game being played by other parties?

Even if the Nuggets did win the bidding, what does that mean for the roster? Almost assuredly there would be a trade to clear space you'd have to think. Or maybe the Nuggets look at the roster and think it's worth a go for that amount.

Either way, we shall see.

Nuggets closing in on Mike Miller?

2014-07-09T19:15:38-06:00

Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Spo

Could the Nuggets be looking to add yet another wing player?

ESPN's Chris Broussard is reporting that the Nuggets are closing in on Memphis Grizzlies forward Mike Miller. Yes, the 34 year-old Mike Miller who played in all 82 games for the Grizz last season. But Miller only appeared in 59 and 39 games the previous two seasons with the Miami Heat.

While Cavs pursue Mike Miller, Miller is getting close to agreeing to terms with Denver, source says
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) July 10, 2014

Miller averaged 7.1 points and 2.5 rebounds last season, including 48% shooting from the field and 45.9% from three-point land on 2.8 attempts per game. The Nuggets have the non-taxpayer midlevel exception of $5.3 million to offer Miller - they can also split that amount for the free agent, any way they choose.

The Nuggets are currently around $73 million in committed salary for the upcoming season, with the luxury tax sitting at around $76-$77 million. A signing of Miller could mean Denver is setting up for a bigger deal as they have Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, and Quincy Miller at the small forward spots already. The 6'8" Miller could see some time at shooting guard, but Denver is pretty well stocked there too with Arron Afflalo, Randy Foye, and rookie Gary Harris (deal signed today).

Head coach Brian Shaw has been wanting the team to add veteran presence, and that looked to be done with AAA coming back, but this looks to be another move in that direction. Also, Nuggets Team President Josh Kroenke played on the same AAU team as Miller, back in the day.

Report: Mike Miller visiting Nugs

2014-07-06T11:55:43-06:00

Mike Miller | Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports

The Nuggets are involved in their first free agent rumor of the off season.

Memphis Grizzlies small forward Mike Miller is reported to be visiting the Nuggets today and tomorrow, according to Memphis radio station 92.9 ESPN. Here is a short excerpt:

As he waits out free agency, Grizzlies' free agent Mike Miller will visit the Denver Nuggets Sunday and Monday, a source told 92.9 FM ESPN Saturday morning.

Oklahoma City, Houston, and Portland are also interested in the veteran shooter's services.

Denver does have a mid-level exception available, though using it would likely put the Nuggets into the luxury tax.

It is doubtful that the Nuggets would go into luxury tax territory for Mike Miller on a mid-level exception, so if the Nuggets are interested there would presumably be corresponding salary clearance. It is said that Miller's personal preferance is to remain in Memphis, but they are at a contract impasse so there's likely more to play out.

What does this mean for the Nuggets. Clearly they are still looking for veterans and more shooting. What would this mean for Quincy Miller? Many questions remain to be answered.