Peterson may base final decision on dollars

The almighty dollar could ultimately determine whether or not former Toronto Raptors swingman Morris Peterson plays in Utah.

So Jazz coach Jerry Sloan seemed to suggest Wednesday, the first full day this summer that NBA free agents are permitted to sign new contracts.

"I don't have any idea," Sloan said when asked if he expects to soon see Peterson in a Jazz uniform.

"I never know just from sitting and talking with a player, and him asking questions, what his thoughts are — because I don't get involved in the money part of it," added Sloan, who leaves such negotiations to basketball operations senior vice president Kevin O'Connor. "Everybody tells you they'd like to play — until it comes down to the money part."

Peterson and his agent are thought to be seeking full midlevel team payroll salary cap exception money and terms — a five-year contract starting at $5.356 million next season and worth about $32 million in total.

The Jazz are believed to want to pay less than that, in part so they can address other needs with the rest of their midlevel money.

"So, from my standpoint, everything is fine," said Sloan, who along with O'Connor met with Peterson last Monday. "But there are other people involved."

Sloan did have high praise for the Michigan State product who has spent all seven of his NBA seasons in Toronto. But he also offered some caution regarding Peterson, who is expected to also visit New Orleans before making up his mind.

"He's a player that can shoot the ball some. He seems to have a little bit of toughness. He seems to understand an offense," Sloan said.

"But you never know," the Jazz coach added. "You get a guy in here, and you have no idea how he's gonna do until he's here."

INTEREST IN ROBERTS: After two years in Memphis, Mississippi State product Lawrence Roberts told The (Memphis) Commercial Appeal he won't be re-signed by the Grizzlies — but that the Jazz have interest.

"Roberts said his agent, Eric Fleisher, has been in contact with several teams," the newspaper reported Wednesday. "A few have expressed interest, one of them being the Utah Jazz," Roberts said.

The Jazz are known to like the 6-foot-9, 240-pound forward who averaged 5.2 points and 4.8 rebounds in 54 games last season.