The bidding war for Andre Miller is starting to heat up. The Denver Broncos have been actively shopping the veteran point guard with multiple teams interested. After owner James Dolan stressed that the team would not be active in the upcoming trade deadline, the New York Knicks are now targeting a trade for Miller in the coming weeks.
Marc Stein of ESPN.com reports the Knicks have tossed their name into the competitive negotiations for Miller. The Knicks first attempted to get a point guard in Kyle Lowry earlier in December. The Toronto Raptors' requests were too much for the Knicks and they eventually had to end negotiations. This same issue could arise in the Miller talks, but New York is committed to trying.
Between injuries to Pablo Prigioni and Tyson Chandler and the troubling antics of JR Smith, the Knicks are seeking a little stability. They need a talent upgrade on their roster and Miller could be the player that helps pushes the team upward after a recent string of wins.
This trade will come down to the type of package that New York could offer in return. His contract is favorable for the Knicks considering just how limited the team is in that area. Miller is set to make $5 million this season and his $4.6 million next season is not fully guaranteed. However, the Nuggets will want something good in return considering every team is looking into making a trade.
New York is very limited in that area. The team cannot afford to give up any more draft picks. They already lack first-round picks for the next few years. They would likely be forced to give up Iman Shumpert and Tim Hardaway Jr. in a package. Both are very young players with promising futures ahead of them. If the Knicks do not put up draft picks, they will have to give away youth.
The Knicks could also put Smith in the package as well. After getting fined for a shoe lace prank, the team appears fed up with the guard. He was benched during the Miami Heat game and might not play again for a few days after head coach Mike Woodson called his behavior unprofessional. The Nuggets will accept just Smith in a trade, but he could help boost the Shumpert, Hardaway package.
Denver is ready to trade. Miller has not played the last four games as the team continues to sift through negotiations. The Sacramento Kings have made an offer and the Golden State Warriors are expected to do the same. The Knicks will have to be aggressive if they want this to happen.
