With the two sides still far apart in dollars and number of years, it looks like free agent Andre Miller's tenure as 76ers' point guard could be ending soon.
Miller's agent, Andy Miller, is reportedly looking for a three-year, $30 million contract, which is one year and perhaps $14 million more than the Sixers are willing to pay. "We have made an offer to Andy Miller and Andre Miller," said team president Ed Stefanski said. "They're looking for a better offer from other places. Right now, we're in the mode to see if there's a sign-and-trade that makes sense for both sides."
Stefanski admitted to talking to a few teams about a possible sign-and-trade for Miller, but said nothing appeared imminent. Rumors of a possible deal involving the Trail Blazers and Steve Blake don't seem credible.
While Miller, 33, averaged 16.3 points, 6.5 assists and was arguably the team MVP last season, the Sixers seem content to go forward with a point-guard rotation of fifth-year man Lou Williams, rookie first-round pick Jrue Holiday and a veteran backup willing to sign for the veterans' minimum.
Part of it might be the sluggish economy, which has caused reductions in the salary cap and luxury-tax figure. Third-year forward Thaddeus Young would also be beginning a contract extension in 2011-12, which would be the third year of Miller's contract. Elton Brand, Andre Iguodala and Lou Williams are already on the books for $36.5 million that season.
"We are in a situation where we have a young nucleus of guys who have playoff experience, but we're going to grow with them," Stefanski said. "To go long-term with a contract for an older point guard, we don't see that as a viable option right now."
