Two-time MVP Willie Miller has been let go of Barako Bull after his contract expired on Aug. 31.
Barako Bull official Raffy Casyao said the 37-year-old Miller, a 14-year veteran, averaged nine points, three rebounds and three assists in his stint with the Energy Cola.
“He’s open to explore,” said Casyao, who nonetheless made it clear that the squad might even end up re-signing the 5-11 scoring guard.
“All players with expired contracts can actually explore. But of course, we still own the rights. At the end of the day, whatever their exploration is, we’ll still talk. Maybe we can also make an offer,” added Casyao.
Miller, the top draft pick in 2001, played a pivotal role in helping Barako Bull win the 2001 and 2002 PBA Commissioner’s Cup titles and also took MVP honors in 2002 and later in 2007 when he was already burning the hoops for Alaska.
Miller had actually been with Barako Bull twice in the past and also saw action for Talk ‘N Text.
Before joining Barako Bull for the third time, Miller played for Globalport.
Now that his roller-coaster career is winding down, Miller is open to be inked by any other squad.
Miller, an 11-time all-star, can also explore options with newcomers Blackwater and Kia Motors although he has to agree to a massive paycut and agree to earn considerably less than his P420,000 monthly salary.
Meanwhile, Barako Bull has eight players under contract, including veteran center Mic Pennisi and incoming sophomore guard Carlo Lastimosa, who both signed new deals with the Energy Cola.
The team also has five rookies, although Casyao said only Jake Pascual, and maybe David Semerad, are the likely new additions to the team. The other three rookies are Philip Morrison, Gab Banal and Philip Paredes.
“We’re sure of signing Jakes, and maybe David Semeral, who is an energy guy, and that it what we like on our team. But there’s no final decision yet. We haven’t seen him in practice because he’s still playing for his school,” said Casyao.