Paging Derek Fisher . . .
In the five days since the deal was formally announced, Fisher hasn't spoken with Utah media, either — despite repeated requests through intermediaries including his agent's office and the team.
And his initial reaction to news of the swap, made to a California newspaper, made it seem he wasn't exactly thrilled.
Franchise officials, however, aren't worried.
"We traded for him, and we received his contract, and we expect him to report," Jazz basketball operations senior vice president Kevin O'Connor said.
O'Connor took the somewhat extraordinary step of traveling to California to meet with Fisher earlier this month, after the trade had been agreed to but before league rules permitted it to be made official.
There, the Jazz's basketball boss said he "presented our case."
"He's a veteran," O'Connor said of Fisher, who played eight seasons for the Los Angeles Lakers before spending the past two with the Warriors. "I felt like we should explain what we wanted him for, what we expected of him, and everything else.
Asked what vibes he got from Fisher, O'Connor said the two "had a good conversation" — details of which he preferred to keep private.
Last week, however, Jazz owner Larry H. Miller shed light on the discussion, saying Fisher told O'Connor, "I don't have anything against you guys," but that he was "pretty sure I was going someplace else" and "had my heart set on a couple of places."
Still, O'Connor said Saturday, "there have been no indications" that Fisher will do anything but report.
One good reason he should: Fisher has four years and $26.46 million remaining on his current contract, and no contractual rights to have the trade rescinded.
O'Connor said Fisher has been given up to two weeks from the date of the July 12 trade to take his physical — much more time than would be permitted had the exchange been made during the season.
His more-pressing concerns, O'Connor said, are watching ongoing Rocky Mountain Revue summer-league play and getting a signature from big man Jarron Collins, who agreed to terms on a new contract last Thursday.
KEEPERS? All three players the Jazz sent to Golden State for Fisher — Keith McLeod, Devin Brown and Andre Owens — may get a shot to stick with the Warriors.
According to the Contra Costa (Calif.) Times, Golden State basketball boss Chris Mullin suggested "he's going to give each guard a chance to show what he's got."
You can be the first to comment on this story.