One thing that the Blazers can be grateful for with this signing is the fact that Miles has to serve a 10 game suspension before being eligible to play any games. The timing of this signing couldn't be better.
Miles won't be eligible to play for the Griz until Jan. 4. He must serve a 10-game suspension for violating the league's anti-drug policy by testing positive for a banned weight-loss stimulant.
He can attend practices but cannot be in the arena two hours before the tip-off of games. The Griz visited with Miles in Chicago where he's worked out since leaving Boston.
The Grizzlies' gamble will last until Jan. 7 when they must decide whether to guarantee Miles for the rest of the season. He can appear in two games before then.
If the Grizzlies don't see enough out of him in those 2 games before the cut-off for signing him to a guaranteed contract, the Blazers will be in good position.
On the other hand, if the Grizzlies choose to sign Miles to a guaranteed contract, and he plays in the required 10 games to be put back on Portland's books ($9million for 2 years), the Blazers will find themselves in a similar position to this season due to the $10million that will come off their cap at the end of the year, when Raef LaFrentz becomes an unrestricted free agent.