Pat Riley On Amnestying Mike Miller “Very Difficult Decision For Me Personally”
By Mike Dyce
Miami Heat president Pat Riley had previously told reporters on Friday that they weren’t using the amnesty clause. Days later, the Heat announced they would use it on guard/forward Mike Miller ahead of the July 17th deadline.
Pat Riley said the decision didn’t come easily.
“After many discussions internally and a sincere effort to explore the trade market, we made a very difficult decision to use our amnesty provision on Mike Miller,” Riley said in a statement, via FOX Sports Florida. “Mike had an incredible impact on the Miami Heat, helping us to three Finals appearances and winning back-to-back world championships. This was a very difficult decision for me personally, the Arison family, Erik (Spoelstra, Miami’s coach) and the entire Miami Heat organization. Mike was one of the best we have ever had here and will be sorely missed. We wish Mike, his wife, Jennifer, and their family nothing but the best.”
Mike Miller was going to make $12.8 million over the next two seasons, and would have cost the Heat $17 million next season alone after luxury taxes. That number would’ve been higher in the second season.
Mike Miller was taking it well.
“I understand the business side of basketball,” Miller told The Associated Press. “It’s a combination of being very, very thankful for the opportunity that I’ve had, but it hurts that we had a chance to do something very, very special and I’d love to have been a part of it.”
The move could’ve helped clear the way for Greg Oden to join the Heat.