From Deseret News archives:
Utah Jazz notes: Deron's deal not done but it's getting closer
Could happen anytime now.
The details, dotted Is and crossed Ts may be signed, sealed and delivered at a moment's notice.
But, for now, Deron Williams' contract extension with the Jazz still needs an assist before it becomes a slam dunk.
Williams hopes that will happen before Saturday, when he leaves Salt Lake City to hook up with Team USA in advance of next month's Beijing Olympics.
He and the Jazz won't disclose how much they are apart in dollars and/or years or how much/how long either side wants, for that matter but a maximum extension could pay Williams nearly $90 million and keep the point guard in Utah for another five years after the 2008-09 season.
"Everybody's still working, I can report," Williams' agent, Bob McClaren, said Monday from his Houston office. "Everybody's very committed to trying to put a deal together, and we're all working toward that end.
"Yeah," he added, "I think we've made progress every day."
"I think it's in everybody's interest to keep working toward the goal and then announce it when we've crossed the finish line," he said.
Even if an accord isn't reached this week, McClaren suggested that wouldn't necessarily indicate a deal wouldn't happen before a league-designated Oct. 31 deadline.
"That's still the goal," he said of wrapping up the contract this week. "And if we don't do that, it slows us down but doesn't mean we can't all work at it."
McClaren said he keeps in constant contact with Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor.
He hasn't personally spoken recently with Jazz owner Larry H. Miller, who's been hospitalized for complications from diabetes for about a month now. But he indicated Miller and O'Connor speak often about Williams' situation.
A busy travel month Williams vacationed in Mexico and McClaren has been on the road has been one issue to overcome, the agent said.
"Again, I think we've made progress every day," McClaren said, "and we're all working toward the goal of an extension."
O'Connor on Monday had no comment regarding the progress of negotiations with Williams.
HAPPY HOMECOMING: Britton Johnsen isn't sure he'll land a spot on the Jazz's regular-season roster, but the former University of Utah and Murray High star is excited to get an opportunity to play with their summer-league team.
Recent comments
Dwill is going to sign a 3year and with opt out option for 4th. Utah...
TK 1 | July 17, 2008 at 2:22 p.m.
i almost vomited in my mouth when i read the name ostertag!!!
Dwill...
Anonymous | July 15, 2008 at 8:53 p.m.
It's pretty obvious waht going on.
Deron wants a short
contract...
Bigjassfan | July 15, 2008 at 5:32 p.m.
- Lakers booed at home in loss 12:53 a.m.
- Big games keep UHSAA coffers full 12:51 a.m.
- TCU stuck at fourth in BCS 12:50 a.m.
- Students from abroad come to Utah 12:26 a.m.
- Sports on the air 12:18 a.m.
- Sports briefs 12:17 a.m.
- Editorial: Red flags at Fort Hood 12:14 a.m.
- Rid Capitol Hill of 'roaches' 12:14 a.m.
- Health proposal not 'reform' 12:14 a.m.
- Afterthoughts 12:14 a.m.
- BYU happy to escape with victory
230 - TCU creams U.
225 - Editorial: Mormons and gay rights
206 - Will state consider gay rights law?
149 - Can BYU root for (ick) Utah Utes?
131 - RSL heads to MLS title game
125 - Utes remain silent about BCS
120 - Celtics crush Jazz
104 - TCU stays 4th in AP; Y. 19th, U. 23rd
97 - 3A: Hurricane advances to title game
88
No, students are NOT safe from predators. If a parent wants to make sure...
If you really think Mormon's are mainstream, you must not have paid attention...
I don't see the schools presidents voting to get rid of WYM or NM, even...
why people complain about how football is covered by the media too much. when...
A little perspective is not a bad thing. Notice the Cougar's won loss record...
I actually was encouraged by some aspects of the game. Any Utah fan who has...
A story about Mormons as minorities? In this paper? Get over the "victim"...
she was an awesome woman someone i looked up to when i was younger she was...
Wow you just made one of the dumbest comments I've heard yet. Fire Bronco????...
Re: Huh?, You like many other haters are probably oblivious to many obvious...
