Harpring appeared in 63 games last season, but the former starter and more recently reserve small forward averaged just 4.4 points — the fewest since he was limited, by an injury to the left ankle, to just four games in his second NBA season, 1999-2000.

"The last couple years have been rough," he said. "I went through the knee stuff, thought I over that, then my (right) ankle."

If Harpring is forced to retire, the Jazz should have options.

His salary could be folded into a trade with a willing taker, his roster spot could be filled via use of a disability exception or perhaps a buyout could be negotiated.

"That's something I haven't gotten into, and I'm sure it's going to be explored," Harpring said. "If I don't play, I want it to be win-win for both. ... I know that's something that could be a conversation for later on."

For the time being, then, Harpring waits and wonders.

"Right now I haven't made a decision ... so I'm going to do whatever I can and see where I am the end of the summer," he said. "It's really too early to tell what's going to happen.

"But I don't want to be injured and in pain all season, or not produce like I should and not play like I should. That's bad for me, and bad for the Jazz. If I do play one more year, though, that would be the end of it."

E-mail: tbuckley@desnews.com