What To Do with Andre Miller?

With the clock hitting 12:01 yesterday, that only means one thing: NBA free agency is underway.

One notable free agent is Andre Miller, the point guard of the Philadelphia 76ers.

There have been many rumors surrounding Miller. Some say the Sixers will let him walk away and let the 17th pick overall, Jrue Holiday, run the point, with Lou Williams getting some minutes at the position. Others say the Sixers will retain him in order to make another postseason run. Some even say to sign and trade him.

I will break down all three scenarios and what it means for the Sixers and Andre Miller.

Re-Signing Miller

Re-signing Miller will be the toughest of the three to do.  

Why, you ask? Well, Miller is 33 years old, and asking for too many years and too much money.

The Sixers may not be able to afford Miller since they are restricted financially due to the contracts of players like Elton Brand, Samuel Dalambert, and Andre Iguadala. Miller is asking for a long-term deal that would make him one of the higher paid point guards.

Miller had a nice season, averaging 16 points per game and 6.5 assists. I, personally, would not want to sign him because of his age, and would rather save the money in 2010. What this means for the Sixers is that the Sixers will be a playoff team again like last season and probably another first round exit.

Letting Miller Walk Away

Not re-signing Miller means that this may not be a playoff team next season. With Miller, the Sixers are the sixth seed at best and probably an early playoff exit. Without Miller, the Sixers are a borderline playoff team, and may possibly pick in the lottery, which doesn’t really bother me.

Next year is a stronger draft class and you could really get a great player in the late lottery like the Sixers did with Thaddeus Young a few seasons ago.

However, this may affect the progress and the chemistry of the team. Miller was a great guy in the locker room and was a huge part of the Sixers' playoff entries the past few seasons. Veterans like Iguadala and Brand may get impatient and demand trades, which would put the Sixers in a bad position.

This may also stunt the development of the young Holiday; he may start right away which could ruin his confidence.

With Miller you’re a playoff team; without him you’re a borderline playoff team, and may pick in the lottery.

Sign and Trade

A sign and trade is the best possibility. There have been rumors that the Sixers are considering a sign and trade with the Portland Trailblazers that would send Andre Miller to the Blazers for Steve Blake and Travis Outlaw. The Sixers would be getting two expiring contracts so they wouldn’t be really taking any big contracts.

I love this deal. While Blake is a downgrade from Miller, he averaged five assists and 11 points last season. He’s a proven veteran and would be a nice mentor for the young Holiday.

Travis Outlaw is a nice young player; last season he averaged about 13 points per game and four rebounds. However, you’re getting something for Miller, and more importantly a decent starting point guard.