Millsap's match, after all, has the Jazz payroll currently at about $82 million — prompting most to suspect a cost-saving deal involving Boozer must come eventually if not right away.
That leaves Millsap, a 2006 second-round draft choice, seemingly destined to soon replace two-time NBA All-Star Boozer as the Jazz's starting power forward.
"Keeping Paul on our roster was one of our main goals this offseason," O'Connor said in the statement released Friday by the Jazz. "We look forward to watching him play a key role on this team for many years to come."
Friday's news release confirmed information that was leaked Thursday.
The deal is worth $32 million over four years, including $10.3 million payable before the end of the month. Millsap averaged 13.5 points and 8.6 rebounds in 76 games last season, and finished fourth in media voting for the league's Most Improved Player award.
The Louisiana Tech product's numbers improved in the 38 games he started last season, a stretch — mostly when Boozer was injured and out — in which he averaged 16.0 points and 10.3 boards.
e-mail: tbuckley@desnews.com
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Lee is the best PF option but he is also pricy. Lopez from NJ could be a good move and save a lot of money. The Miami deal is bad. A Ty Thomas type player can be had for Harps contract later in the year. Big Baby does not have good wp48 nor EFF48 More..
Trading Booze to NY would be a mistake because we own their first round pick next year. We wouldn't want to make New York have a better season than they ought to have, would we?!
I know pursuing the Clippers strategic plan of trading all their super stars for role players can be enticing but there is merit in the Jazz's strategic plan of being patient and holding the course. Jerry always said the simple keeping the team More..