Miami Heat Rumors: Waiving Mike Miller with Amnesty Rule Club's Only Option

The Miami Heat get a freebie on their contract with Mike Miller. One of the most sought after free agents on the market a year ago, Miller battled with injuries for much of last season and was largely ineffective.

With the CBA's amnesty rule, the Heat have the option to cut him loose without any circumstantial damage.

In fact, waiving Miller is the only viable option this team has right now.

As ESPN's John Hollinger and Chad Ford point out:

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It's going to be very hard for Miami to stay in contention without being a repeat tax offender, but that status will be dealt with very harshly by this CBA, and Miami historically hasn't been a big-spending team. The Heat had better hope BRI rises sharply over the next three years to limit their tax exposure, because even with their stars they can't offset the tax hit with the revenues of an L.A. or New York.

The Heat may also try to stay under the luxury tax entirely this season, because that buys them an extra year before they hit the "repeat offender" status and face more draconian tax penalties ... It's not clear how the Heat can cope financially with being a repeat tax team, but the way they've built their roster virtually assures them of being one beyond this season. By the fourth year of the CBA this roster could get very expensive.

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Essentially, it is imperative this team stay under the luxury tax this year.

At least things in Miami can play out this season without the Heat worrying about staying under the tax for next year before we even get there.

Miller averaged 5.6 points per game last season for the Eastern Conference Champions and they can replace those points with relative ease for much less.

This move should not only be made; it needs to be made. The long-term ramifications of keeping Miller are too great and this club needs to find a way to be financially capable a few years down the line.

There are going to be a number of amnesty cuts when the deal is finally ratified. We should expect to see Miller as one of the first on the market.

Miami is the favorite going into this season, but if they want to keep playing a team of actual players into the future, they have to send Miller packing now.