Jazz now prepared to pursue Clippers guard Jaric

With Sarunas Jasikevicius committed to Indiana and Antonio Daniels pledged to Washington, the Jazz now are prepared to enter the fray for Los Angeles Clippers restricted free agent Marko Jaric.

They are not, however, alone — nor are their hopes much beyond that of a long shot.

Jaric, a 26-year-combo guard from Belgrade who has played three NBA seasons for the Clippers, reportedly will visit Denver today and Cleveland on Wednesday.

The Jazz have not entertained Jaric yet but might soon.

All three suitors, however, are in a tough spot, since in this instance L.A. holds all the cards: Because Jaric is restricted, the Clippers can match any offer sheet he signs — and seem inclined to do just that.

That in mind, the Jazz will continue to peruse the shrinking free-agency market and pursue potential trade opportunities.

"We've been talking to a lot of people," Jazz basketball operations senior vice president Kevin O'Connor said Monday night, "and we're going to continue to look and continue to decide what's best for us."

Earl Watson of Memphis undoubtedly is on that list, although the Jazz do not seem likely to meet his yearning for a full five-year midlevel-exception contract worth roughly $30 million.

Perhaps the Jazz would turn to a lower-priced veteran point like Brevin Knight or Tyronn Lue, though Knight supposedly has interest in re-signing with Charlotte and Atlanta's Lue has been mentioned in connection with one of his former teams, the Los Angeles Lakers.

Also still in the market is Gonzaga product Dan Dickau, who seems to have drawn little interest but might have to play behind rookie Chris Paul and veteran Speedy Claxton if he stayed in New Orleans.

Miami's Damon Jones remains available, too.

Utah's greatest longing for now, though, seems to be for Jaric.

O'Connor recently visited in San Antonio with Seattle combo guard Daniels, but ultimately he accepted a five-year midlevel deal greater in length than any contract the Jazz were willing to offer.

Longtime Euroleague star and ex-University of Maryland standout Jasikevicius had one comparable offer from Utah and another from Cleveland, but late Sunday night he was lured to Indiana by a three-year, $12 million overture — a decision apparently predicated on the determination that the Pacers presented his best shot at winning an NBA championship.

"It was a huge factor," agent Doug Neustadt told the Associated Press. "He was really looking for a chance to compete in the playoffs, and he sees Indiana as that team."

The agent also said Seattle and Portland made offers to Jasikevicius, who passed up the chance to play in Cleveland with countryman, close friend and Cavs center Zydrunas Ilgauskas.