By CHRIS
PERKINS
FOXSportsFlorida.com
Heat Writer
Feb. 23, 2011
If you thought Miami would ease its way into the second half of the season, you're wrong. As it turns out it's been a busy time for the Heat with the 3 p.m. Thursday trade deadline looming.
Rumors have been swirling that Miami has been shopping swingman Mike Miller recently. Miller is averaging just 5.9 points per game and shooting a career-worst .411 from the field, including .387 on three-pointers, his second-worst total in the last seven years.
After Wednesday's practice, Miller said he had a pre-practice meeting with president Pat Riley and was assured (as much as realistically possible) that he'll be around "unless they can get Dwight Howard or somebody like that."
Miller was kidding about the Dwight Howard thing. Riley never mentioned the Orlando All-Star center, and the Heat aren't pursuing him.
But Miller, who is having a terrible year, is at least maintaining a sense of humor. He's missed 31 games due to thumb and head injuries, and lately, an ear infection. He didn't practice Wednesday and won't travel to Thursday's game at Chicago.
"It's frustrating any time you miss time," Miller said. "It's been an awkward year for me. I haven't caught many breaks except for the broken thumb. But you deal with it and make the most of it."
Miller seemed calmed by his meeting with Riley. But Miller is also a seasoned NBA veteran, which means he knows anything can happen at any time.
"I'm confident (I'll remain with Miami), but I'm also not na
