Utah Jazz shop Boozer, still want Millsap

They're trying to trade Carlos Boozer, and they evidently intend to match Portland's offer for Paul Millsap.

But the Jazz suggest the two are independent matters, and that even if they can't trade starting power forward Boozer this week, it doesn't necessarily mean they'll shy away from matching the four-year, $32 million offer sheet backup power forward and restricted free agent Millsap signed last Friday with the Trail Blazers.

Moreover, the Jazz have indicated they won't succumb to low-ball offers for Boozer from teams that feel Utah is anxious — perhaps even desperate — to deal him now.

They even claim to be open to perhaps starting the season with both Boozer and Millsap on their roster — which is something one NBA agent said Tuesday that he and many other NBA general managers simply don't buy, because they don't believe the Jazz want Boozer anywhere near their team next season.

Not even, that is, under the premise he'd have no choice but to help them because he'd feel obliged to produce — if for no other reason than he must in order to improve his personal negotiating power as a free agent next summer.

With that as the backdrop, Boozer rumors ran rampant Tuesday, and Boozer himself told a Chicago radio station not only that he expects to soon be traded but also that he'll be happy if he is.

Boozer, who has not spoken to Utah media since the Jazz's season ended in late April, said this to WMVP 1000-AM, the ESPN affiliate in Chicago, when asked if he thought he'd be dealt:

"Yeah, I do. I had a talk with the Jazz, and the Jazz told me they want to go in a different direction, and I respected their decision, and we mutually agreed to work out a trade that was beneficial to them and as well beneficial for my family and me. So, with that being said, I'm gonna be traded ... relatively soon or in good time."

Tuesday's buzz had Chicago, Miami, New York and Detroit still among potential destinations for Boozer, a two-time NBA All-Star who has been on the trade block since he opted in late last month for the final year and last $12.65 million on his current contract with the Jazz.

"We'll see what happens," Boozer, who didn't respond to interview requests made through both his agent's office and the Jazz, said when asked by the radio station if Chicago is his favored destination.

"I mean I'd love to be a part of the Chicago Bulls," he added. "A lot of that lays in the Utah Jazz hands, but we'll see what they wanna do and hopefully I'll do what's best for me as well. If it happens, I'll be very happy."