Miller deal formalized with Heat

MIAMI -- Mike Miller's deal with Miami is finally complete, clearing the way for the Heat to finish contracts in the coming days with Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Juwan Howard.

Miller's contract was announced by the team Friday afternoon. The 6-foot-8 shooter agreed in principle about a week earlier to a five-year deal worth about $25 million and actually signed his contract Thursday, but it took about another 24 hours for it become finalized because of other paperwork issues.

"From the first moment that we met Mike on July 1, it seemed like it would be a match made in heaven," Heat president Pat Riley said in a statement. "We consider him to be the finest perimeter shooter in the NBA."

Miller made 48 percent of his 3-pointers last season for Washington, second-best in the NBA behind Kyle Korver.

He was considered a vital part of Miami's offseason plan, which of course started with the re-signing of Dwyane Wade and the additions of LeBron James Ã¢â‚¬â€ť Miller's close friend Ã¢â‚¬â€ť and Chris Bosh.

James said he wanted Miller to play with him, even talking the former Florida Gator into passing up higher-paying deals for a chance to sign with Miami.

"He is a multi-faceted player who can rebound, handle the ball and make plays," Riley said. "We expect big things from him."

Miller becomes the sixth Heat player under contract for next season, joining Wade, Bosh, James, Mario Chalmers and Udonis Haslem. Ilgauskas (who agreed with Miami on Tuesday) and Howard would figure to become the next two names formally added to the mix, possibly as early as this weekend.

Miami has also had conversations with Matt Barnes, who played with Orlando last season and delayed his anticipated Friday decision on 2010-11 because other teams were contacting him. The Heat also are considering what to do with their three second-round draft picks, plus have interest in free agent point guards Keyon Dooling and Chris Quinn.