Clippers' Miller to sign Nuggets' offer sheet
SportsLine.com wire reports
DENVER -- Los Angeles Clippers restricted free agent point guard Andre Miller has agreed to sign with the Denver Nuggets, a source within the NBA said Sunday.
Miller, the NBA's assists leader in 2001-02, is expected to sign the deal once the league's free agency period begins Wednesday, the source said on the condition of anonymity.
The Clippers will have 15 days to match the offer, first reported in the Denver Post, or Miller will go to the Nuggets.
A call to the office of Miller's agent, Lon Babby, wasn't immediately returned Sunday night.
Miller took a two-day visit to Denver last week, saying he liked the way the Nuggets were building for the future with young players.
The Nuggets tied Cleveland for the worst record in the league at 17-65 and will likely lose leading scorer and rebounder Juwan Howard in free agency, but they have a good core of young players.
Brazilian forward Nene Hilario was a member of the NBA's All-Rookie team last season, while forward Rodney White showed glimpses of why the Detroit Pistons used a lottery pick on him two years ago. The Nuggets also have Syracuse star Carmelo Anthony, who they took with the third pick in this year's draft.
Miller was one of the top free agent targets for the Nuggets, who have $18 million in salary cap space for next season.
Denver has struggled at the point guard position since Nick Van Exel was traded to Dallas in February 2002, with eight players filling that spot last season.
Miller would give the Nuggets instant stability there. He led the league in assists with Cleveland two seasons ago, averaging 10.9 -- along with 16.5 points per game. Miller struggled with injuries last season after being traded to the Clippers and his averages dropped to 13.6 points and 6.7 assists.
Clippers restricted free agent shooting guard Corey Maggette and center Michael Olowokandi, an unrestricted free agent, also have expressed interest in signing with the Nuggets.
