NEW YORK — The NBA players' association plans to file a grievance against the Portland Trail Blazers, who have threatened litigation against any NBA club considering signing Darius Miles.

The former Trail Blazers forward is attempting a comeback — a potentially very expensive one for the Blazers — from major knee surgery.

If Miles plays in two more games this season, Portland would be on the hook for $18 million — the amount remaining on Miles' contract, which would count against Portland's salary cap and force the team to pay luxury tax.

"We are shocked at the brazen attempt by the Portland Trail Blazers to try to prevent Darius Miles from continuing his NBA career," players' association director Billy Hunter said in a statement.

"Their attempt to intimidate the other 29 NBA teams by threatening frivolous litigation merely for signing this capable NBA veteran is a clear violation of the anti-collusion and other provisions of our Collective Bargaining Agreement. We will vigorously defend Darius' rights."

Hours before Miles cleared waivers yesterday, Portland team president Larry Miller sent an e-mail to the other 29 NBA teams warning of legal action if a team were to take Miles simply to adversely impact Portland's salary cap.

Miles' contract would become guaranteed for the rest of the season if he plays in 10 games. He already has played in eight games this season — six preseason games for Boston, then two games for Memphis before being released earlier his week.

BARKLEY PUT ON LEAVE

Charles Barkley is taking a leave of absence from the broadcast booth.

The announcement by Turner Sports came yesterday, hours after police said the 45-year-old former NBA star was legally drunk when he was arrested Dec. 31 on suspicion of drunken driving in Scottsdale, Ariz.