Jazz's second-round pick close to signing contract

A few details must be ironed out and the contract still must be signed, but the Jazz have essentially reached an agreement with 2005 second-round draft choice C.J. Miles.

"We're getting closer, and we're going to get that done," said Kevin O'Connor, the Jazz's senior vice president of basketball operations.

The decision to sign with Utah means 18-year-old Miles, a Parade and McDonald's high school All-American shooting guard from Skyline High School in Dallas, will bypass the University of Texas.

It's believed the first two years of his contract will be either partially or fully guaranteed, and that the deal will pay close to the NBA minimum of approximately $400,000 next season.

"This way, after those two years, I'm going to prove myself — like I'm confident, and I know I am — (and) they'll re-sign me," Miles said shortly after the Jazz claimed him.

Because he did not immediately sign with an agent, Miles had the option of playing in college even after Utah took him with the No. 34 overall selection in the June 28 NBA Draft.

But Miles' father, Calvin Miles Sr., reportedly informed Texas coach Rick Barnes on Monday night that C.J. would not honor his oral commitment to play for the Longhorns.

That means Miles will cash in now — but miss out on playing for a Texas team that is considered an NCAA title contender even without him.

"I think C.J. is more ready now to participate at this level for the Utah Jazz," Miles Sr. said after his son was drafted. "I think he has a lot to offer them at this point right now, and it's beneficial to him.

"If he goes a couple years to Texas," Miles added, "it's still going to be the same . . . as far as him and the money situation."

The Jazz, Miles Sr. told both ESPN.com and the Dallas Morning News, formally presented their offer Tuesday night — apparently after Texas' Barnes was given notice.

Now, Miles is expected to report when the Jazz meet Sunday and open training camp Monday for the Rocky Mountain Revue summer league that will be held July 15-22 at Salt Lake Community College.

Meanwhile, the Jazz continue to woo free agents.

According to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, the Jazz have joined the Lakers, Cavs and Raptors "in pursuit" of Sonics guard Antonio Daniels. And according to Wednesday's Denver Post, "agent Tony Dutt said at least three teams have offered . . . Daniels mid-level exception money" — in other words, a multi-year contract starting at about $5.1 million next season.

It is not known if the Jazz are among those teams making such an offer, though Daniels would fit the bill for the sort of veteran help at the point Utah is seeking.