OKC Thunder Targeting Mike Miller

Veteran sharpshooter Mike Miller cleared waivers and became a free agent after being amnestied by the Miami Heat, and he could end up with the team he tormented in the 2012 NBA Finals (hitting seven three-pointers off the bench, and scoring 23 points in the series-clinching Game 5.) The OKC Thunder are interested in Miller‘s services, and have emerged as the front-runner to land him. Per the Oklahoman: “A person with knowledge of the situation said Thunder general manager Sam Presti is scheduled to fly to Miami to meet with Miller this week. Because the Thunder’s payroll is pushing up against the $71.7 million tax threshold, Oklahoma City would be able to offer Miller only a minimum contract for roughly $1.4 million. Under normal circumstances, that number might be enough to send the Thunder into tax territory. But a provision in the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement could come into play and save the Thunder some precious cash. If OKC signed Miller to a one-year contract, the league would reimburse the Thunder approximately $515,000. On a minimum contract, only $884,293 of Miller’s deal would then be included in the Thunder’s team salary. That’s the same amount guard DeAndre Liggins is owed and could suggest that Liggins, who is not guaranteed his salary if he doesn’t make the regular season roster, would be replaced by the veteran Miller. Center Daniel Orton, who also is on a non-guaranteed contract, could be released as well. Orton is set to earn roughly $916,000 next season.”