Utah Jazz: Up next is free agent frenzy
One may be looking to get out. The other is looking to cash in.
Together, based largely on what their agents had to say Friday, starting center Mehmet Okur and backup power forward Paul Millsap could make next week even crazier for the Jazz than already anticipated.
While waiting to hear if starting power forward Carlos Boozer and backup shooting guard Kyle Korver will opt of the final season of their current contracts, the Jazz — who according to general manager Kevin O'Connor will offer Millsap a multi-year contract as soon as the NBA's summer free-agency market opens at 10 p.m. Tuesday — quietly have been negotiating a potential extension with Okur.
Like Boozer and Korver, the big Turk has an early termination option that gives him until Tuesday to escape the last season of his existing deal.
Indications from both sides Friday, however, seemed to suggest that the gap between them is wide enough that Okur — due to make $9 million next season if he doesn't opt out — will enter the summer shopping market. "We're gonna wait right up until the end," Okur's agent, Marc Fleisher, said when asked if his client's plans had been finalized yet.
"I think he's, right now, leaning toward opting out," Fleisher added. "But we'll make that decision at the last possible minute."
Asked Friday if it's possible any of the three — Okur, Boozer or Korver — reach extension agreements before Tuesday's opt-out deadline, O'Connor said, "I wouldn't take anything out of the equation."
Meanwhile, Millsap's representative has set the starting salary he will seek at equal to — if not more than — the sort of money New York Knicks soon-to-be restricted free agent David Lee's camp might attempt to command.
That, suggest both multiple agents and a New York Newsday report, would be a multi-year deal beginning at $10 million per season.
Millsap, rep DeAngelo Simmons suggested, compares statistically quite favorably to the Knicks' big man.
Lee, like Millsap a three-year pro, averaged 16.0 points, 11.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 54.9 percent from the field last season.
Millsap averaged 13.5 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists while shooting 53.4 percent — but, according to 82games.com, had a plus-266 net points plus-minus count that easily trumped Lee's minus-198.
"I really can't say (precisely how much money Millsap is seeking)," said Simmons, who also is Millsap's uncle. "But the two guys are pretty close, with what we're looking at."
Recent comments
I'll tell you what will happen w/ Free Agency. There will be an...
Anonymous | June 30, 2009 at 9:30 a.m.
Settle down people. The Jazz aren't going to pay Millsap 10 Million...
STEVE-O | June 29, 2009 at 4:00 p.m.
Mr. Simmons, we love Paul, but if you are looking for a comparable...
rhythmaster | June 28, 2009 at 7:25 a.m.
- A haven for his work 12:16 p.m.
- Should your walls go black? 11:34 a.m.
- Insulation before new windows 11:32 a.m.
- Living with children 11:17 a.m.
- Murder-suicide in West Jordan 11:08 a.m.
- Stand-in for traditional cranberr 11:04 a.m.
- Family physician cuts out middlemen 11:02 a.m.
- Leaders visit southernmost city 10:59 a.m.
- Memo out again tonight for Jazz 10:47 a.m.
- Health care bill faces a crucial vote 10:33 a.m.
- Mailman's nomination delivered
- 4A: Timpview wins 4th in 4 years
- Can BYU throw vs. Air Force?
- Cougars cruise to victory in Hawaii
- U. professor dies after fall from bus
- Unga's status 'a game-time decision'
- Huntsman blasts media over trip
- TCU still has a chance
- Orem man acquitted in tot's death
- Christian leaders not backing down
- Buttars wants to limit gay rights laws
184 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
169 - BYU, Utah struck gold in coaches
124 - Lies shatter Utah family
123 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
117 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
100 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
98 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
96 - Utes knock off rival Aggies
93 - Huntsman pleased with Obama
86
will break the record. Then the next BYU chucker will break the record....
You betcha'
Liberals are interested in personal vices, not personal freedom, they just...
re: ROTFLOL at UTES! Hehehe. I also find BYU fans hilarious. Did you try...
I am also going to blame your hearing or a technical error...We were singing...
Goll, byu is way better than Air Force.
All behavior in question takes place behind closed doors. It takes a...
prevent defense anyone. put 8 guys in the endzone prior to the snap. not...
If more people used birth control there'd be less need for abortions.
Until you become omniscient like God, please spare us the tired old "I...

