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Three Times Could Be a Charm for Mike Miller, Grizzlies?

By Christian Dudley

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Oct 22, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies head coach Dave Joerger motions to his team as Cleveland Cavaliers guard Mike Miller (18) checks into the game at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Cleveland 96-92. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Following the Cleveland Cavaliers’ trade of Mike Miller late Sunday evening, could the Portland Trail Blazers waive Mike Miller in order for him to return to the Memphis Grizzlies?

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been looking to dump the massive contract of longtime veteran Brendan Haywood. On Sunday, July 26th, it finally happened.

While moving such a large contract was no easy task, the Cavs had to include former Memphis Grizzly Mike Miller in the deal.

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports was first to report the transaction via Twitter.

Mike Miller is at the ending stage of his NBA career. His three-point shooting is his strongpoint–still–and would typically help a contending team more than anything. He can provide just enough outside scoring–or at least being a threat from beyond the arc–to be coveted by championship-seeking franchises.

The Portland Trail Blazers are suddenly in a bit of a rebuilding mode and therefore they do not have a major need for Miller on their roster–other than providing some veteran leadership.

With that being said, a buyout of his contract could happen shortly. It is the likely outcome according to Wojnarowski.

Which teams could be suitors for Mike Miller? Marc Stein of ESPN states the Memphis Grizzlies, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Dallas Mavericks as being at the very top of the list. All of these teams are expected to be contenders in the Western Conference next season.

It should be noted that Mike Miller has spent seven seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies over the course of two separate stints. He has always been a fan favorite–a consummate professional.

As of right now, the Grizzlies can only offer a veteran’s minimum contract. They could use another big man in their frontcourt, but a big-time scorer/shooter would help the most. Memphis may not want to spend any additional cash this offseason–one that has already been rather expensive.

May 1, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Mike Miller (13) reacts during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in game six of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 104-84. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports

Of course, a trade involving the Memphis Grizzlies could definitely go down. There is already a logjam at the wing positions and in order to make a Mike Miller re-addition make more sense, a trade could solve a slew of issues for the Grizz.

Miller’s destination for the 2015-16 season may not be decided immediately once the Portland Trail Blazers come to a conclusion. Although a lot relies on Portland’s decision, MM’s ideal landing spots may not be able to offer him a role, a roster spot, until other moves are made–trades, roster cuts, etc.

I do not believe that Mike Miller can be of help to the Memphis Grizzlies now and they need to pass on this “opportunity.”

The Grizz need to look to their youth for their bench scoring punch–or maybe even a younger and more prolific scorer/shooter at the veteran’s minimum–rather than signing Miller to a deal. M-Town needs to become younger, not older. I also do not think that MM can stay healthy enough and play enough games to help the Grizzlies take that next step to reach the NBA Finals. His second return would be nostalgic, but it would not exactly accomplish the Grizzlies’ real needs.

Memphis may be interested in Double-M now to give him a Front Office position later. It could certainly be a possibility. If they want him to fill a need by the means of shooting and scoring, they need to move along, keep their eyes peeled, and investigate other realistic possibilities.

Grizz Nation, what do you say? Would you want Mike Miller to return to the Grizzlies for the third time in his NBA career?

Continue to check Beale Street Bears for the latest news, rumors, and other info of the offseason regarding your Memphis Grizzlies!

Go Grizz!

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