Thus, he passed on signing a four- or five-year extension, instead taking a three-year deal with an option. That's not as long as some, but as O'Connor pointed out, he could have waited and tested the free agent market.

The new contract not only marks Williams' maturation as a player but as a person. This is a guy who, in his rookie season, gave a false name to police after an altercation at a Park City nightclub. Same guy who was named in a police investigation along with other Jazz players in Portland, but charges weren't pursued.

Since then, there hasn't been a hint of trouble. Williams has become more comfortable and less closed with the media. He has also grown into the undisputed court leader.

Williams says he decided to stay in Utah in part because it seemed in the interest of his family.

Sounds a little bit like a couple of other franchise Jazz players of days past.

Asked if he considered signing for longer, Williams pointed out that since it is a contract extension, he has a minimum of four remaining years with the Jazz, five if he picks up the option year.

"Look at our team roster four years ago," noted O'Connor. "Things change so much."

So the Jazz took what they could get, which in O'Connor's mind was a great deal. Williams could make more endorsement money and get more exposure if he were playing in a bigger market.

But for now, the terms are fine with everyone involved.

Four years from now it might even end up looking like a bargain.

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E-mail: rock@desnews.com