Utah Jazz notebook: Boozer will opt out of deal, get 2nd MRI
"Carlos has never told us he definitely plans on opting out," Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor said in reacting to the declaration late Wednesday night. "Is it something that you would think he would do? From a professional standpoint, you could look at it and say why at his age (27), his position, where he's going to and what he's done it makes sense to say 'I'd like a longer-term contract' rather than just waiting another year.
"What's the difference in becoming an unrestricted free agent a year from now, or an unrestricted free agent now?"
Boozer, slated for now to make $12.66 million next season, has the right to opt out of the sixth and final year of his $68 million deal this offseason.
O'Connor said Boozer's representatives have never informed him of opt-out plans, and he called the timing of Boozer's proclamation "a little peculiar."
O'Connor also said the decision will not impact how the Jazz proceed from here forward.
"We told Carlos he's an important piece of the organization, and he's one of the guys we would like to continue to build the foundation around," the Jazz GM said. "And he's told us that he wants to stay."
Also Wednesday, O'Connor told ESPN.com that the Jazz regardless of Boozer's situation plan to re-sign backup power forward Paul Millsap.
"We intend to keep Paul Millsap," he said. "I don't know how much more succinct I can be."
As for Boozer's knee, which he injured Nov. 19, Boozer said, "It was great (Tuesday). I went through a full practice, felt really good. Not really good to the point where I felt strong enough to play, but it was a good step in the right direction."
Boozer has both a strained quadriceps tendon, and a bruised kneecap.
(The Jazz, incidentally, said Boozer went through "the majority of practice" Tuesday, but not all).
"It's a little sore (Wednesday), which is to be expected, and we'll go from there," Boozer added. "I'm going to get an MRI (today) to see how much healing has happened and we'll go from there."
Recent comments
they should keep millsap because he actually plays defense
millsap over boozer | Dec. 20, 2008 at 11:36 a.m.
So what else did you expect from Carlos Boozer incorporated, LLC. Has...
MonroeMarsh | Dec. 20, 2008 at 9:24 a.m.
Boozer is not that great. He was the worst player on the Olympic team...
Loser | Dec. 18, 2008 at 11:48 p.m.
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