LeBron James Was Affected By Miami Heat’s Decision To Release Mike Miller


The Miami Heat’s decision to release Mike Miller before the start of the 2013-2014 NBA season may have played a role in LeBron James’ decision to leave the Florida franchise.

"LeBron thought it was an unnecessary change," Miller said via cleveland.com. ”I’m not saying I would have been a difference-maker. San Antonio was unbelievable last year and there are a lot of things that go into a season, but it was difficult for LeBron."

Miller went on to say that the Heat amnestying him was a difficult process for himself and his family. The 34-year-old shooter then went to sign with the Memphis Grizzlies, a team he played for from 2002 to 2010.

Miller, despite the limited minutes and role in Memphis, was big in the first round series loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2014 Western Conference Playoffs. The veteran’s best showing was a 21-point, 5-of-8 shooting from behind the arc performance in Game 5 as the Grizzlies took a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.

That was the kind of showing he displayed in some of his time with the Heat helping LeBron James to NBA championships in 2012 and 2013. In 2014, the Heat came up short against the San Antonio Spurs losing in just five games in the best-of-seven NBA Finals.

Despite the timely contributions, the Heat decided to amnesty Miller and his contract for the team to save over $17 million in luxury taxes.

"It was a tough pill to swallow for both of us," Miller added in the same article. "That team went through a lot. The same thing this team is hoping to go through. You're going to have ups and downs and you grow close. For me, I had a great relationship with LeBron and still have. It was extremely difficult.

Miller was recruited by LeBron when he went back to the Cavaliers in the last offseason.

The move to amnesty Miller might have been difficult for Miller himself but apparently, LeBron James also took notice. By the time the NBA’s best player had to choose between Miami and Cleveland, maybe the Heat’s financial-saving move played a factor in James’ decision to return home to Ohio rather than extend his stay in Miami.