"I think it's going to take time for us to analyze it and really make sure we're making the right decision," Rigby added. "We've got to look at the financial well-being of the situation.

"We've got to look at short- and long-term impact of what this means for us, and we'll go from there."

The $10.3-plus million up front is somewhat disconcerting, suggested Rigby, whose club — if it matched, and discarded no other players by end of the next season — would be looking at paying what amounts to a fine of more than $12 million for exceeding the NBA's team payroll luxury-tax threshold.

"It's a little bothersome and a little concerning," he said, "because it does particularly force an issue, because now it has impacts on what it means for us as it relates to luxury-tax issues. It complicates matters greatly."

O'Connor, however, seemed less worried about the up-front money and more interested in feeling assured that the Jazz were getting proper value for their dollar.

Leaning on a golf umbrella, he indicated as much before teeing off in the same tournament as Williams, Rigby, Miles and others.

"They (the Blazers) can put money — a lot of money — up front. But I don't think that that's the issue ... if your organization is equipped to be able to handle it," O'Connor said. "And we've talked about it, what could happen. There's nothing that surprised us as far as this goes. We (had) the numbers listed from $6 (million) to $10 (million) on what his signing bonus could be. So, we'll just evaluate it.

"You determine if it's worth it, Paul's worth it. That's what you always do. ... You don't want to overpay, or panic on something.

"You know, we said we were gonna match — and we'll take a look at it," the Jazz GM added.

"If it's where it's supposed to be, or close to where it's supposed to be, we'll evaluate it. But if it's in the $11 (million)-or-$12 million range that might be a little difficult."

While the deal does average $8 million, it will cost the Jazz $11.8 million in cash next season — plus the punitive tax, which pushes Millsap's effective cost for next season to more like the $20 million range.

"It's going to be tough," said Williams, who will make about $13.5 million himself next season. "It's going to be tough to re-sign Paul, and then pay that tax. But so many things can happen.

"I'm confident in Kevin (O'Connor)," he added. "I know he's going to do the right thing — you know, try to make it possible. I know he wants Paul back. I know (family ownership rep) Greg (Miller) wants Paul back. Everybody on our team wants Paul back. So, hopefully we can make it happen. Somehow."

e-mail: tbuckley@desnews.com