Trail Blazers buy out Miller

The Nuggets have extended a one-year offer to Mike Miller, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein.

Miller, 35, will enter free agency once he clears waivers. If he goes unclaimed, he’ll be an unrestricted free agent, and the Nuggets are among the teams looking to grab him.

Miller joined the Trail Blazers in July from the Cleveland Cavaliers, with Portland sending two future second-round picks to Cleveland for Brendan Haywood and Miller, creating two trade exceptions.

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. While Miller’s best days are behind him, the Nuggets interest would center around Miller’s professionalism and leadership.

In 15 seasons in the National Basketball Association, the sharp-shooting Miller has averaged 11.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.7 rebounds while shooting 40.7 percent from 3-point range with Orlando, Memphis, Minnesota, Washington, Miami and Cleveland. Oklahoma City is intriguing as well with the hiring of Miller’s college coach at Florida, Billy Donovan, as head coach this offseason.

Now, this says nothing about whether Miller is legitimately interested, but it would be a helpful deal for the Nuggets if they can work it out. 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.

Miller, who averaged just 2.1 points per game in 13.5 minutes per game last season for Cleveland, won’t be counted on for much wherever he lands, but hopefully he can find a place to make a final championship hurrah. 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.