Memphis: "Some teams have an erroneous assumption we're just dropping money"

I WONDER WHAT GAVE THEM THAT SILLY IDEA.

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/feb/08/miller-pays-no-mind-to-trade-talk/

Miller pays no mind to trade talk
GM says if right deal comes, he'll take it

By Ronald Tillery
Friday, February 8, 2008

If Mike Miller is supposed to appear depressed, restless or openly bothered by the loud construction noise going on in FedExForum, someone forgot to alert the veteran sharpshooter that his mood should swing right about now.

When the doors opened Thursday to the practice court, the Grizzlies' swingman was all smiles.

He helped the new guys get through the plays.

He joked with more familiar teammates, and then hoisted extra shots after practice ended in preparation for the Grizzlies' road game tonight against Dallas.

What Miller said he can't help is that his name continues to swirl in trade rumors.

Since the Griz obliged Damon Stoudamire with a contract buyout, traded Stromile Swift and unloaded Pau Gasol's contract for draft picks and salary-cap relief, Miller has been left with a young, rebuilding team and constant speculation that he's next in line to depart Memphis.

Miller knows that it's possible that he'll be dealt by the NBA's Feb. 21 trade deadline but he seems unaffected by the notion.

"If a deal comes they can't refuse, I don't expect them not to take it," Miller said. "We understand each other. I told them I'm going to play as hard as I can. I'm going to try to win games. And they've been completely honest with me."

Miller spoke recently with Griz brass -- owner Michael Heisley, general manager Chris Wallace and head coach Marc Iavaroni. The message conveyed was that anything can happen.

But Wallace passionately dispelled a myth making its way around the league.

"I've never had more calls from people checking in and registering interest like they have since we made the trade for Pau," Wallace said. "They think we're in a deal mode. Some teams have an erroneous assumption we're just dropping money.

"People have interest in our players. So I told these guys we're not trying to dump players. But it's our responsibility as a franchise to look at opportunities. I'll never tell a player he can't be traded. That's just not true. You see Shaquille O'Neal just got traded.

"I told Mike that we value him. He's been a terrific asset in the community. He's having a great season. No one is looking to dump him for the sake of dumping. But I also told him people are calling and I can't offer a guarantee (he won't be traded). It would be disingenuous if I did."

Once upon a time, a trade rumor had Miller and Hakim Warrick in a larger deal that would have essentially netted the Grizzlies Lamar Odom of the Los Angeles Lakers. Another speculative trade involves Miller for Miami's Ricky Davis and his expiring $6.8 million contract.

Miller has two years and nearly $19 million left on his contract. What's enticing for potential suitors, though, is one of only three NBA players -- meeting the statistical minimums -- this season shooting better than 50 percent overall, 40 percent from 3-point range and 80 percent from the free-throw line.

Then again, it is not inconceivable that the Griz may seek more salary relief during their commitment to a full-scale rebuild through a young nucleus, draft picks and free agency.

"It's tough," Miller said of the Grizzlies' predicament. "But as long as they show commitment to me, I'll show commitment to them. When they signed me, they didn't promise me it was going to be all easy.

"When I came here we hadn't been to the playoffs and we got there. Now it'll be fun to be a part of a team that makes a playoff push. It's just going to take a lot of work and some time."

But does Miller have the patience that the Griz are asking their fans to display?

"I have to at this point," Miller said. "Until they tell me I'm no longer with the team my patience is there. I've got to believe in what they're doing; otherwise it would be a struggle to come to work every day. So I believe in what they're doing. They want to win just as bad as I do. Sometimes it's harder to be patient when you've been in the league eight years and tasted success."

Wallace emphasized that if Miller is traded, "there will be a basketball reason why we do it."

Miller is hoping for more than that when it comes to motivation for a deal.

"I wouldn't want to leave this place and go to a place that doesn't have a chance of winning," Miller said. "That's what scares me. ... At least here we care about winning. If teams are making offers right now I hope it's teams that are trying to win a championship."