When LeBron James decided to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, one of the first things he did was recruit Mike Miller, a former teammate with the Miami Heat.
It was no small coincidence that James did not agree with the Heat's decision to amnesty Miller during the height of the Heat's title run. He sought Miller out when given the chance, and they will play together in Cleveland. This can be taken as an indication that James was unhappy with the decision to axe Miller, something Miller himself explained to the Northeast Ohio Media Group (Via the Sun Sentinel).
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"LeBron thought it was an unnecessary change," Miller said of his release.
James lamented the Miami Heat's approach, which saved money against the luxury tax, to releasing Miller in the summer of 2013. Miller had been injury prone during his time with the Heat, but he played more games in the 2012-13 season than any year prior.
Miller returned to play in 82 games with the Memphis Grizzlies last season and produced more than he had in years. He averaged 7.1 points and 2.5 rebounds and shot 45.9 percent from the 3-point line.
While the Heat decided to release Miller, they will have to pay him this year. Miller will make $2.7 million this season from Cleveland, while Miami will pay the remaining $6.6 million he would have made in his final season with the Heat.
"I'm not saying I would have been a difference-maker," Miller said. "San Antonio was unbelievable last year and there are a lot of things that go into a season, but it was difficult for LeBron.
"It was difficult for all of us. It was difficult for me. I had to uproot my family and move again. It was tough. I think he was disappointed because he understands legacies and he understands what he wants to do in life. That's what makes him special."