Darius Miles Could Cost Blazers $27 Mill

If you're a big fan of the salary cap, you've probably heard that Portland is screwed if Darius Miles plays 10 games or more for another them and thus, is no longer retired. In a blink, Pritchard -- front office darling of the moment -- could have a $27 million problem on his hands. Of course, that would require some other team seeing something in Miles, and deigning to sign him and pay the decrepit, one-time prodigy, some coin.

Hark, the Phoenix Suns beckon. From the East Valley Tribune:

Phoenix has also inquired about Portland forward Darius Miles. Miles missed all of the last two seasons with a right knee injury that required microfracture surgery an independent doctor ruled as career-ending ... The Boston Globe reported Miles, 26, had an "impressive" workout with the Celtics last week. Any team that signs Miles would be without him for the first 10 games as he serves a suspension for violating the league's anti-drug policy.

I would like to note the deep humor in the Celtics checking out Miles. First, the idea that they can save anyone's soul; second, the pairing of Miles with Garnett, the player he was once thought to resemble. The Suns, though, seem dead-set on enhancing their decrepitude, albeit with someone who, in his prime, would've made a nice weapon on the earlier, more spry incarnations of this Phoenix team.

So anyway, continue to kiss the Suns goodbye. Miles's main skill is getting over on teams, seducing them with his potential even as he enters his seventies. His injury issues fit right in with this shaky Phoenix roster. Good thing Kerr is going after Brent Barry to tie together the room. Thirty-six years of age and coming off a hobbled campaign.

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