O'Connor mum on Vegas trip

Kevin O'Connor's shopping in the NBA's summer free-agency market took him to Las Vegas on Wednesday.

There, agents representing several of the league's available players have been gathered over the last several days for the NBA Summer League — including the agent representing Toronto Raptors swingman Morris Peterson, whom the Jazz continue to chase.

Back in Utah on Thursday, O'Connor — who spoke with multiple agents — shed little light on how his visit to the candy store went.

"I just don't have a whole lot of comment about it," the Jazz's basketball operations senior vice president said, "because we're talking to a lot of people, and you never know what comes up."

Also in Vegas during the past week has been Jeff Bower — general manager of Peterson's other top-two suitor, the New Orleans Hornets.

According to a report Thursday in The (New Orleans) Times-Picayune, "the Hornets have made Morris Peterson ... their top objective in free agency"; Peterson "has narrowed his choice" to the Hornets or the Jazz and "negotiations continue" between Bower and agent Rob Pelinka.

O'Connor would not comment when asked directly Thursday about Peterson, who met with Jazz officials in Utah last Monday.

According to The Times-Picayune, New Orleans coach Byron Scott said "the team needs a player of Peterson's caliber, capable of stretching a defense with efficient perimeter shooting. If Peterson agrees to a deal, he would become the Hornets' starting shooting guard, with Peja Stojakovic shifting to small forward."

"Our top priority is finding someone to play with Peja," Bower told the newspaper. "We're looking for the best fit for our team."

In Utah, it's widely presumed, Peterson would be the front-runner to replace veteran Derek Fisher — who reportedly has agreed to a three-year, $14 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers — as the Jazz's starting shooting guard.

The Jazz and Hornets, however, may not be the only teams pursuing Peterson.

According to a Canadian Web site, Sportsnet.ca, Raptors general manager Bryan Colangelo suggested as much after stating the obvious — that Peterson would not be returning to Toronto for an eighth season — to a Toronto radio station, FAN590.

"Mo is not coming back," Colangelo said. "He has looked pretty seriously at two situations, the Utah Jazz and New Orleans. But there are a few other teams knocking at his door."