Jazz pick up option on Fesenko for next season

Rather than wait until Monday, as previously planned, the Jazz said Friday they've exercised their third-year team option on reserve center Kyrylo Fesenko's rookie contract.

By picking up the $870,000 option for 2009-10, the Jazz will further invest in the 22-year-old size and potential — attributes they apparently feel trump his inconsistent focus and conditioning commitment.

"He improved from his first year to his second year," Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor said, "and I think it was a decision based on ... 'Does he have a chance to become a good NBA player?' "We're still not quite sure yet, and we'd like to have one more year with him."

Whether Fesenko actually plays out the year in Utah, though, is unknown.

Stu Lash — a Fesenko representative working with his new agent, Dan Fegan — said Fesenko's camp feels "good" about a decision that "shows they value him."

But Lash suggested that, in an offseason of uncertainty, Utah could trade Fesenko before the 2009-2010 NBA season even begins.

Sacramento has supposed interest.

"It's no secret the Jazz have a lot of things on their table," Lash said, "and this is just another asset they have.

"It's not the main reason, but (possibly using his contract in a deal) is definitely an aspect of why they picked up his option. What's going to happen with some other players is going to affect ... Fes."

Also uncertain: Will Fesenko join the Jazz at next month's Orlando Pro Summer League?

Fesenko indicated in April he'd play for Ukraine's national team this offseason, and Lash said that's still the plan.

The Jazz want him in Orlando first, which he'll have time for, but Lash suggested Fesenko may only want to play internationally this summer.

"That's where his focus is," the rep said. "(But) it's not a closed book."

Fesenko, a 2007 second-round draft choice, played sparingly his first two NBA seasons.

The 7-foot-1, 295-pounder appeared in nine Jazz games as a rookie and averaged 0.7 blocks, 1.8 rebounds, 2.3 points and 7.25 minutes over 21 games this past season — including a career-best 12-point, 11-rebound, three-block December game against Houston and Yao Ming.