Utah Jazz: Several teams showing interest in free agent Millsap

After three NBA seasons, Paul Millsap's ship is about to come in.

The agents for Millsap, a restricted free agent in the summer shopping market that opened at 10 p.m. Tuesday, said "several" teams called and expressed sincere interest in the Jazz's backup power forward.

First to dial: Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor.

"Class act," said DeAngelo Simmons, Millsap's representative and uncle.

"Kevin called right off the bat and expressed his interest, and straight up told us, 'We're gonna to let you explore the market, but we're interested in having Paul back,' " Simmons added. "You can't ask for nothing more than that. First call, so that's something we're going to remember as we move forward."

Millsap is believed to be seeking a multi-year contract starting at $10 million or more, which is the same sort of deal another restricted free-agent power forward — David Lee of the New York Knicks — also is said to desire.

No actual offers were made to Millsap in the first 40 minutes of free agency, but Simmons said teams expressed "high interest in the kid."

Oklahoma City is believed to be among them.

"The vibe we got from the teams that contacted us is they were just doing preliminary work to see what Paul's looking for," Simmons said. "They're basically playing poker right now."

More than five teams made quick contact, said Ara Vartanian, another of Millsap's representatives.

That includes the Jazz, who despite a busy afternoon of activity Tuesday seem to be saving a roster spot for Millsap — and who have vowed to match any offer sheet he may sign with another team.

Decisions by starting power forward Carlos Boozer, starting center Mehmet Okur and backup shooting guard Kyle Korver to all opt in to the final season of their current contracts — and resulting team payroll luxury-tax implications, including a potential fine of more than $13 million — will not adversely impact the Jazz's plan for keeping Millsap.

"I think (Jazz family ownership rep) Greg (Miller) has said all along that we plan on retaining Paul Millsap," O'Connor said after all three formerly prospective unrestricted free agents opted in.

Millsap averaged a career-high 13.5 points and career-high 8.6 rebounds per game last season, including 16.0 points and 10.3 boards in 38 games as a starter.