Mike Miller Miami Heat Owner

Mike Miller Miami Heat Owner | Mike Miller Closes Miami Heat | Mike Miller Latest News About Miami Heat

On a recent visit to Sioux Falls, NBA free agent Mike Miller made it clear that he wants to play for a winner.It looks like he’ll get that chance in a big way – with LeBron James and the star-studded Miami Heat.”It’s close,” Miller told the Argus Leader via text message Friday night when asked about a deal with Miami. “It’s moving in the right direction.”

The 30-year-old Mitchell native – coming off disastrous seasons with Minnesota and Washington – appears ready to join James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh on of the most star-studded rosters in recent NBA history.

Several reports placed the Heat’s initial offer at five years for a total of about $30 million.”Free agency has been about patience,” Miller told the Argus Leader. “I was trying to wait and find the best situation for me and my family – with winning being the main emphasis.”

Once James, Wade and Bosh inked deals, it became clearer how much salary cap space is left for Miller, a 10-year veteran who has been on friendly terms with LeBron and was also courted by Wade.

Also slowing the process was Miami’s trade of former No. 2 overall pick Michael Beasley to Minnesota, which needed to be finalized for the Heat to free up enough cap space to sign Miller.

Miller, a former NBA Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year, is getting his first taste of free agency after pro stints with Orlando, Memphis, Minnesota, and Washington.

The 6-foot-8 swingman averaged 10.9 points and 6.2 rebounds in 54 games with the Wizards last season. He also shot 48 percent from 3-point range, which makes him valuable to LeBron and the Heat.

“I think it will be a good fit,” said Mitchell High basketball coach Gary Munsen, who coached Miller to a pair of state titles. “Wade and (James) get into the lane a lot, and Mike’s one of the top 3-point shooters in the NBA. This is the best situation for his basketball career.”

Miller, drafted fifth overall out of the University of Florida in 2000, has admitted that losing campaigns with the Timberwolves (24-58 in 2008-09) and Wizards (26-56 in 2009-10) took a lot out of him.