Marion, a four-time All-Star forward, is — like Varejao — an unrestricted free agent.

The Dallas Mavericks and Toronto Raptors, according to ESPN.com, "on Wednesday night moved to the brink of completing a complicated sign-and-trade deal involving the Memphis Grizzlies and at least one other team that will ultimately send Marion" from Toronto to Dallas.

"Known parameters of the deal," the Web site further reported, "call for Marion to receive a five-year contract in the region of $40 million."

Millsap's camp initially had been seeking a multiyear deal starting at $10 million or more, but the Jazz last week seemed inclined to offer a contract beginning around $6 million per season.

O'Connor — who has been in Florida with the Jazz's summer league team — said he was planning to return to Utah.

Jazz president Randy Rigby said Tuesday that O'Connor "is continuing to have dialogue with Paul and Paul's agent," and that Millsap's representatives were "encouraged ... to look at the market and do what they need to do."

If that ends up being a decision to sign Portland's pending offer sheet, and the Jazz don't match, Millsap might not break out of his backup role any time soon.

"Sources," the Oregonian reported, "say Millsap has told the Blazers he would be amicable to playing behind LaMarcus Aldridge, (Portland's) returning power forward and one of the franchise's cornerstones."

e-mail: tbuckley@desnews.com