Don't forget the X-factor: Malone's agent Manley

Since John Stockton retired May 2, Utah has been seized by withdrawal symptoms. But there could be more to come. The next item of business is equally interesting, and far more complicated: What happens to Karl Malone.

Isn't everything more complicated when it involves Malone?

The other half of the famous duo becomes a free agent July 1. Will he set out on his own for another city, where his chances of a championship are greater? That will largely depend on whether another team can offer more money. Will he stay with the Jazz, where he can set sight on the all-time scoring record? That might hinge on whether Jerry Sloan remains.

Unlikely as it seems, Malone could even get discouraged with his options and retire.

Malone has said he will decide quickly and claims it won't be a purely financial decision. Rather, it will be what best accommodates him and his family. Owner Larry H. Miller has said he expects to meet soon with Malone to discuss how much he can offer. Director of basketball operations Kevin O'Connor will certainly be involved.

But the wild card in this situation is one who has stayed fairly quiet in recent months: Malone's agent, Dwight Manley.

Plan on hearing from him, too.

While Malone says he will decide his future, Manley's influence shouldn't be overlooked. It wouldn't be difficult to whisper in Malone's ear, telling him the Jazz are insulting him with their offer. Will Manley do that?

It was Manley who in 1998 said it would take a grundle of money to keep Malone in Utah. And it did. It was also Manley who said, "There are a lot more marketing opportunities (for Malone) outside of Utah."

Manley once declared all contact between Miller and Malone must go through him. Later Manley backtracked, saying he meant only contract negotiations.

In 1998, Manley declared, "The goal is for Karl to win some rings and become the No. 1 product endorser in America." If that's still the goal, Malone won't be playing in Utah next season.

This much is undeniable: Manley represented three other Jazz players, none of whom is on the team anymore — Olden Polynice, Bryon Russell and Donyell Marshall. Each overrated his bargaining power and left. Don't be surprised if it happens again.

Manley's record of re-signing players with the Jazz isn't good. He helped on Malone's contract in 1999, but before that Malone vowed he had played his last game in Utah. Malone ended up with a four-year, $66.5 million deal.