Utah Jazz: Millsap's potential suitor list is getting narrower

All was quiet Thursday on the Paul Millsap front, with Millsap's camp seemingly hunkered down for the long haul and the Jazz banned by NBA rule from discussing their free-agency plans until early next week.

Millsap, the Jazz's backup power forward and a restricted free agent, still had no formal offers as of early Thursday night.

Oklahoma City apparently remains Millsap's primary suitor, with the Jazz still planning to match any offer sheet he signs with another team — unless, that is, they deem it financially outrageous.

But even Oklahoma City's interest may be in question.

According to ESPN.com, "as of Thursday afternoon, the Thunder hadn't shown much interest in Millsap. ... Nothing close to a contract offer has even been discussed, and the Thunder haven't even broached the subject of a visit.

"It's possible that the Thunder are seeing what the market for Millsap is and waiting until next week to make a move. ... It's also possible that OKC's interest in Millsap has been vastly overstated. As it stands, he isn't getting much love from anywhere."

If Millsap doesn't sign another team's sheet, the Jazz might not be willing to offer much more — if any — than the amount Milwaukee unrestricted free agent Charlie Villanueva will get to sign with Detroit.

Villanueva agreed to a deal with the Pistons on Wednesday, and reports vary as to its value. Some said at least $35 million over five years, others $40 million over five.

A straight five-year, $35 million deal with permissible raises would start at $6 million next season.

BOOZER TRADE TALK: From Thursday's Detroit News: "Rumors persist that (Detroit Pistons basketball boss Joe) Dumars may trade either (Rip) Hamilton or (Tayshaun) Prince for another, more post-oriented big man.

"The Jazz would consider sending Carlos Boozer and his expiring contract ($12.6 million) to the Pistons for Hamilton — though his three-year, $35 million extension may give them pause.

"Dumars has said on more than one occasion that he wasn't thrilled with that prospect. For now, the plan is to keep Hamilton and feature the potent three-guard attack (along with Ben Gordon and Rodney Stuckey). But if (Pistons free agent big man Antonio) McDyess signs elsewhere, Dumars may have to use his trade chips."

HE SAID IT: Starting center Mehmet Okur, on his decision Tuesday to remain for the final season of his current contract with the Jazz — and not become an unrestricted free agent, but also not agree, at least for now, to a contract extension: "My wife loves living here. I love living here. It is a great place to raise a family. We've always been very proud to be a part of the Jazz family, and I love playing for coach Jerry Sloan and the entire staff.

"There was no reason to opt out. My goal since my arrival here has not changed in that I will do my best to be a part of a championship team, finish my career here, and hopefully have my number retired as one of the all-time Jazz player(s)."

E-mail: tbuckley@desnews.com