Is Andre Miller on his way to Portland?

Stymied Blazers taking a run at Sixers point guard Miller

By David Aldridge, TNT analyst
Posted Jul 21 2009 6:38PM

Twice spurned in their attempts to sign a high-profile free agent this summer, the Portland Trail Blazers are jumping back into the fray, opening discussions with the agent for Philadelphia 76ers free-agent point guard Andre Miller, according to sources. A deal is not imminent, but there has been progress made toward resolving Miller's status, according to a source with knowledge of the discussions

Miller has been outstanding in Philadelphia, providing veteran leadership and a still-formidable game. He's been the coach on the floor for the 76ers, who've made the playoffs in consecutive seasons despite numerous injuries (high-profile signee Elton Brand was out most of last season with a shoulder injury that eventually required surgery), a slew of young players like Thaddeus Young and Lou Williams (both of whom have been given major minutes) and a coaching change, with Tony DiLeo replacing Mo Cheeks. (The 76ers have since hired former Kings and Wizards head coach Eddie Jordan to take over for DiLeo.)

Miller averaged 16.3 points and 6.5 assists last season for Philadelphia. He is also one of the league's ironmen, missing just five games in 11 NBA seasons.

Andre Miller And The Blazers?: The Portland Trail Blazers seem to be coming full circle in free agency. Sources close to the situation say their first call in free agency was to Andre Miller, who was at the time seeking a three-year deal worth north of $10 million per season. Now it seems with Hedo Turkoglu a Raptor and Paul Millsap still with Utah the Blazers have re-opened talks with Miller's camp.

Sources close to Miller say the 76ers have all but closed the door on a deal with Andre and have given his agent permission to seek out a sign and trade. The 76ers have agreed to a framework that would yield a two-year $6.5 to $7 million per year package to Miller if his camp can find a willing partner that will meet the 76ers needs.

The Blazers involvement becomes interesting on this front because now the 76ers could lose Miller and get nothing in return. Miller flew out to Las Vegas and met with both the Blazers and the Knicks this week in efforts to move along the process.
There is little doubt that Andre Miller would be an upgrade over Steve Blake and with free agent options dwindling for Portland, the Blazers may be trying to push something through. Keep in mind the Blazers still have extensions to deal with for Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge which are not going well. Roy is upset with the length of contract being offered – his camp expected a full maximum deal, and got an impressive four-year offer slightly less than maximum. Aldridge received a $10 million per year offer, but balked at the deal with his camp suggesting his value was closer to $12 million per season. If the Blazers cannot get a deal done this summer, both players will become restricted free agents next summer when at least 14 NBA teams will have ample cap space to bid on Portland's core. The Blazers can and would likely match offers given to either player, but letting it get to that point may create ill will neither side needs to be dealing with, with such a bright future ahead.