Boozer deal: Tale of 2 cities

Malone's move prompted a large portion of Jazz fans to say they would never cheer for him to win a championship. They took delight in L.A.'s meltdown in the NBA Finals. But unlike Boozer, Malone neither verbally agreed with management to re-sign with his team, nor strongly stated his intentions of remaining.

Same with Anderson. He merely stated he wanted to live and play elsewhere. Yet when he signed with Houston in 1999, he too was criticized in the newspapers and on radio. A certain columnist (moi) concluded: "So Salt Lake isn't for everyone; Luther Wright was proof of that. I have no problem with you preferring another town. But if you're going to leave, stop acting like a high school girl, making up excuses as she goes along. Because in dating and basketball, the same rule of civility applies: For everyone's benefit, just say right up front you're not interested."

Both of the aforementioned former Jazz players said they would do what seemed best for them, then left. Though both signed for less than they could have made with the Jazz — which did warrant some skepticism — neither lied about their intentions. Still, many Jazz fans reacted like scorned lovers, their affection turning to contempt.

Maybe Boozer is the liar they say he is in Cleveland. To date, we haven't heard his side of the story. Maybe the Cavaliers are idiots for not exercising the option. Possibly Boozer was merely doing what's smart.

It all depends on where you live.

Remember that the next time a free agent leaves Utah.

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E-mail: rock@desnews.com