MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - Darius Miles played in his first game Tuesday night since he was re-signed by the Memphis Grizzlies, moving the Portland Trail Blazers closer to the contentious salary-cap problem they feared.
Miles entered the Grizzlies' game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the third quarter and quickly converted a three-point play.Memphis waived Miles last Wednesday and re-signed the forward to a 10-day contract on Saturday, two days after Portland sent out an e-mail warning of possible legal action against any team that signed the free agent.
Miles is coming back from major knee surgery. If he plays in one more game, Portland will be on the hook for the $18 million and two years remaining on his deal.
There was some good news for the Blazers on Tuesday: An NBA spokesman said the league won't punish the team for Thursday's threatening e-mail.
Miles previously played in six exhibition games for the Boston Celtics and two in the regular season for Memphis.
The players' union announced plans Friday to file a grievance against the Trail Blazers.
Miles was the third overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2000 NBA draft. He was on the Blazers' roster from 2004-08 and signed a six-year, $48 million deal with the team in September 2004. In 414 career games, he has averaged 10.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.15 blocks.
