PORTLAND, OR – The Portland Timbers have made a significant addition to their defensive lineup by acquiring Canadian international center back Kamal Miller from Inter Miami CF, as announced on Thursday.
In a strategic exchange, the Timbers have sent $625,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) across the next two seasons to Inter Miami, along with a 2024 international roster spot. Additionally, Inter Miami stands to gain an extra $150,000 in performance-based GAM and will retain a sell-on percentage for Miller in transactions outside of MLS.
Portland Timbers General Manager Ned Grabavoy expressed enthusiasm about Miller’s arrival: “Strengthening our defensive group this offseason was a priority. Kamal provides us with a great player, competitor, and flexibility along our backline. We look forward to him joining our group as our preseason work gets underway.”
Miller, 26, has had a notable journey in the MLS, starting with the 2019 SuperDraft. He has accumulated 3 goals and 6 assists in 110 regular-season appearances playing for Orlando City SC, CF Montréal, and Inter Miami. A veteran of the 2022 World Cup, Miller has also been capped 41 times for the Canadian Men’s National Team (CanMNT).
This trade reunites Miller with former Inter Miami manager and now Portland head coach Phil Neville. Miller’s addition gives the Timbers a robust central defense, joining the likes of Canadian international Zac McGraw, Peru international Miguel Araujo, and veterans Larrys Mabiala and Dario Zuparic.
Meanwhile, Inter Miami, with the departure of Miller, will rely on Argentine youth international Tomás Avilés and Ukrainian international Sergii Kryvtsov as their primary center-backs. The acquisition of GAM provides them with increased flexibility for future signings, aimed at bolstering their squad.
Chris Henderson, Inter Miami’s CSO and sporting director, acknowledged Miller’s contributions, stating, “This trade allows us to continue positioning ourselves positively as we aim to further strengthen our squad with our sights set on more titles next season.”
Both Portland and Inter Miami, having struggled defensively last season and missing the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, are looking to revamp their squads as the 2024 regular season approaches. Inter Miami kicks off the MLS is Back festivities on Feb. 21 against Real Salt Lake, while Portland opens its season on Feb. 24 against the Colorado Rapids.
