It seems unlikely Rice will ever play for Jazz

One day after trading disgruntled big man John Amaechi to Houston, the Jazz still were not certain if the veteran forward they acquired from the Rockets will be coming to Utah.

Though it seems unlikely Glen Rice will ever play a day for the franchise, Jazz basketball operations senior vice president Kevin O'Connor said after talking with Rice's agent that it's too early to rule anything out.

"We're gonna look to make a trade, we're gonna look to be involved in a (contract) buyout. Or," O'Connor said, "we'll look to possibly bring (Rice) here. But we're not going to do the last until later."

Before anything happens, Amaechi must pass a physical exam with Houston so that the trade can be formally approved by the NBA.

Then, the 36-year-old Rice — who did not expect to be dealt — must decide what he wants.

Seeking a deal elsewhere is among Rice's options, and it's one the Jazz would favorably consider — especially if they can both save some money with a buyout of his contract, which pays $7.35 million this season, and create a roster spot for a younger big man.

It could be several days before the matter is resolved, O'Connor said.

In Tuesday's deal, Utah also received $2.6 million in cash, a future first-round draft pick belonging to Houston and either one first-round or two second-round picks previously acquired by the Rockets from Chicago; Houston also gets either one or two future second-round picks previously acquired by the Jazz from Sacramento.

The Houston first-round draft choice going to Utah, it was learned Wednesday, is protected through No. 9 overall in the 2004 draft — meaning the Jazz get the Rockets pick only if Houston selects 10th or lower. Decreasing protection continues through 2008, when Utah would get the pick — if it hasn't already — no matter where Houston falls in the draft's first round.

ONCE IN A LIFETIME: The timing of his White House visit may not be ideal for a young player trying to gain a starting spot, but guard Carlos Arroyo calls it "a great opportunity for me, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

He and his wife are spending today at the White House with President Bush as part of the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Arroyo is from Puerto Rico.

He is pleased his wife gets to accompany him. "It's something that we have to share together, to have fun doing," he said.