Deseret News | Miles ahead: Jazz match offer, keep C.J. around

Reader comments
Miles ahead: Jazz match offer, keep C.J. around

139 comments | Read story

Somethin' Brewin'? | 4:20 p.m. July 25, 2008

Hmm. I think Kevin O'Connor has something brewing out there to match this lengthy contract (even if the last year is a team option). The Jazz have a log jam at the shooting guard and small forward spot. CJ, Morris Almond or another player will likely be traded before camp. The Jazz need a roster spot for another big guy that is physical, can rebound, and play defense. Fuller could very well be that guy, but there is not a lot of space for him right now.

Stay tuned Jazz fans. I think another trade is on its way and that a 2 or 3 will go and that Jazz may try to unload Fesenko too.

specs260 | 4:23 p.m. July 25, 2008

I find this move very interesting. I have no problem with keeping Miles around. The Jazz have invested the last couple years with him, he knows the system, and has improved quite a bit. They should get the chance to see some return. I just wonder now what they are going to do with the depth at that spot. I hope Almond gets some NBA experience time. I think he could be quite the asset to the Jazz with his athleticism.

Belva | 4:21 p.m. July 25, 2008

The only reason this makes any sense at all is if there is some deal in the works to get rid of AK. Why pay a guy 4 mil a year to ride the bench? I've always thought CJ needed more minutes. The jazz must be working out some way to get him some.

Comments continue below

tradeisahead | 4:24 p.m. July 25, 2008

the only reason i can think of that the jazz did this is so they can get something out of C.J. when they trade him to OK.

Jimmy's Sneakers | 4:25 p.m. July 25, 2008

Jimmy isn't pleased. If Jimmy hears one peep out of the Jazz FO next year complaining that they can't sign all of the important free agents, Jimmy will be very angry.

$4 million per for a swingman that averages 5 ppg is ludicrous.

Jazz Fan | 4:26 p.m. July 25, 2008

I'm surprised they matched the offer to Miles. It's not a bad move, though. He has a couple years of experience with the system and the coaches. Why not get a return from the time the Jazz put into him?What are the Jazz going to do now with all that depth at that position? When is Almond going to get is chance to see some NBA action and not just the D-league?

rvalens2 | 4:30 p.m. July 25, 2008

Yes! I was right the Jazz did match the OKC offer. Now why would they do that?

1. They believe, as I do, that C.J. will become an important part of this team.

2. The offer, while high for his current contribution, will be seen in a year or two as modest.

3. Harpring, though a great contributor, is close to retirement (bad knees).

4. AK, though not complaining like he did last year, is still not happy with his situation in Utah. C.J. is insurance for the Jazz should the situation with AK deteriorate or should AK suffer an injury.

5. The Jazz are not yet convinced that Almond is ready to step up.

6. The Jazz have too much invested in C.J. (3 years) to let him leave now, just wasn't a smart move.

7. The Jazz were trying to low-ball him on his price. Hoping to limit the cost to the team. That's not a criticism of the Jazz, only a reality of the business they are in.

In my opinion, this was a smart move on the part of the Jazz.

Better Be A Trade... | 4:33 p.m. July 25, 2008

There better be a trade coming or I will boycott the Jazz this next year. This is most idiotic move and doesn't make sense...There has to be a trade in the works...RIGHT?

Sokol | 4:32 p.m. July 25, 2008

Sorry, but this guy is athletic, talented, a good
shooter, and I think he knows it. I could see him
being an All-Star in three years....But, Almond is
a scoring machine...We have, as they say 'up nort'
some 'keepers.'

zero24gravity | 4:34 p.m. July 25, 2008

Ok great, I'm happy they resigned CJ.

Now, it's not that I don't think Miles has potential, but what are the chances he'll live up to it with so many other guys, that are working harder, fighting for the same minutes?

So now trade him to OK City (along w/ Collins?) for one of OK's many, many big men (Wilcox, Elson, Petro, Swift, Sene). If they want him they should be willing to pay a price to the Jazz. Even if it's just a 2nd round pick.

CJ would probably be happier with more minutes, and the Jazz could fill a void in the middle with an athletic big. OK City has a glut of big guys & are obvioulsy into Miles. So it's Win-Win-Win all around.

oldfan | 4:34 p.m. July 25, 2008

I'm glad the Jazz matched OC's offer and CJ will be back. I'm puzzled some by some of you who don't see that CJ is only going to get better. Why do you think he is going to still remain on the bench (10th man)? Hopefully the reason they kept him is because they see his talent and want to be the benificiaries of it. If CJ improves like I think and hope he will he will either beat out Brewer, Korver, or Harpring for alot more minutes and not be that 10th man on the bench with limited minutes.
A trade could be in the future but I'm glad they kept CJ because of his abilities and potential and I hope he developes and reaches his potential. Hopefully he will work harder than he has and come to camp in better shape and determined to show everyone what he can do.

Let's hope | 4:35 p.m. July 25, 2008

This means we are trading AK for Okafur. That would be a dream come true. This makes me think they are actually considering moving someone to try and get over the hump.

Jazzman | 4:40 p.m. July 25, 2008

Now - please get rid of Harpring. I would much rather pay CJ $4M than Harpring $6.5M and give CJ Harpring's minutes. Harpring is horrible. He was the only Jazz player with a negative plus/minus last year.

clem | 4:41 p.m. July 25, 2008

whatever !

Can't trade him | 4:41 p.m. July 25, 2008

On an interview Wednesday with KFAN 1320, DJ and PK asked Kevin O'Connor about a sign and trade deal involving CJ. O'Connor said that as part of matching the offer sheet, they can't trade him for one year. I do however, think that we are bound to see some sort of a trade to free up room at the 2 guard. The Jazz make mistakes, but I doubt they will be paying CJ 4 million a year to sit on the bench as a third stringer. They can also opt out of the contract after 3 years, so it is a 11 million investment essentially, and if he performs we get him the 4th year at a bargain

Jazz can't trade CJ | 4:42 p.m. July 25, 2008

For all you brilliant fantasy GM's that want to trade CJ now, Jazz can't trade him for a year per league rules. He'll be here for at least a year.

I agree with whoever said that we should TRADE MATT HARPRING - He's done some nice things (can't think of any right now) but he is getting old and increasingly more annoying to watch. This almost guarantees another move by the Jazz this summer or next. Here's hoping Harpring, Collins, Almond, Fesenko. Ak's probably going to have to be gone as well.

Let's hope that Jerry actually plays him this year!!

pbrown | 4:44 p.m. July 25, 2008

I was on the radio and pk was just blasting the jazz on how dumb it was to resign C.J. Just look back at what happened with mo williams. Kyle Korver can opt out in a few years and ronnie can't shoot that well so it is a good thing they kept C.J. pk needs to stop worrying about the money.

Why the Love Obsession with CJ? | 4:42 p.m. July 25, 2008

I like CJ but I don't understand the love affar over a mediocre bench player. The kid is lucky to get scrap minutes at a home game. Unless he had one "heck" of a summer (which I doubt seeing he did not attend summer camps to Coach Sloan's dismay),he is probably going to be traded.

banoone | 4:44 p.m. July 25, 2008

Great move by the Jazz. Almond is not as good as Miles, Harpring is getting older, and Korver is one dimensional. It would of been a huge mistake to let him go. He is still only 21 and by the end of this contract what they are paying him will seem like a bargain.

wvc coug | 4:43 p.m. July 25, 2008

They cannot trade Miles until next year, so if there is a trade in the works, Miles isn't a part of it.

Sign and Trade | 4:47 p.m. July 25, 2008

Rumor has it from undislosed sources that the Jazz are trying to pry away Brad Miller and Ron Artest from Sacramento in exhange for AK, and JCollins. CJ can fill the void left by AK, and while Artest is suspended.

bob bobberson | 4:49 p.m. July 25, 2008

CJ's contract is going to seem amazingly cheap in 2 to 3 years

Bye AK | 4:49 p.m. July 25, 2008

I think this opens the door for the trade of AK

ABQ Jazz | 4:51 p.m. July 25, 2008

What is with the 'trade Collins' comments. Are we really worried about the Jazz trading a 3rd string center? Collins was terrible as a starter, but as a 3rd string, 1.5 minute a game player he's just fine. It's just as ridiculous as trying to talk about the potential of Fesenko and Almond. They were both late draft picks and so anything they will add to the Jazz would just be a bonus. No reason to think they will somehow change the win/loss percentage for the Jazz next year. Let's just relax and see if the core players can work out another good year.

Trade in the works | 4:53 p.m. July 25, 2008

Yeah, there's a trade coming. It could be a sign and trade scenerio with Miles, but I actually think what we'll see is AK go away, and Miles step into the small forward role.
Whatever happens, if Miles is staying lets play him, and not punish him for another year for skipping the revue, eh Sloan. Turns out it was a wise move. He's a millionare now because he skipped it.

jazzrule | 4:57 p.m. July 25, 2008

You said: Does this mean there is another trade coming with one of the Jazz pieces? A lot of people to pay in the next couple of years. If only AKs contract could be dumped.

Andrei Kirilenko $13,725,000

Carlos Boozer $11,593,810

Move Ak to power forward and trade Boozer, then you have a good player wrapped up for years, that will play defense. Instead of one that will opt out next year. As you can see there is only $2,131,l90 difference between their salaries.

Dick of the NW | 5:04 p.m. July 25, 2008

FYI,NBA rules can't trade CJ for one year. Yes, the Jazz will be staying up late to figure out how to keep Millsap, Brewer etc and manage the salary cap. Isn't great, though, the Jazz have the roster they do and have to figure out what to do with all the talent. During the Stockton-Malone years the Jazz couldn't get enough talent around them and now we have the problem how to keep it and live within the salary cap. Nice problem to have. Let's keep supporting the Jazz and you know they will do what is best for the team and WINNING BABY! GO JAZZ!

Jimmy's Best Friend | 5:02 p.m. July 25, 2008

Jazz did well in matching the offer, but ehy now need to make a trade for a good big man. GL Jazz

ID Jazz | 5:09 p.m. July 25, 2008

FYI: CJ cannot be traded until December 15th in the rules and he cannot be traded to OKC so throw your CJ sign and trades out the window.

I have said on here that they would resign him and it is because he can play two positions and can create and pass the ball. Over all he is an all around player compared to Almond. The Jazz were waiting to the last minute to see if Almond had learned defense or assists and neither have been existent so Almond forced the hand of the Jazz to resign CJ which was the right move.
If Almond would have came out and not tried to score but played defense and thrown assists he would have possibly been on this team but may possibly be trade bait or D-league star again. I think fate was in his own hands but he showed he was one dimensional. In the game of poker CJ beat the Jazz.

JazzFanInHouston | 5:11 p.m. July 25, 2008

The key question still remains. What do the Jazz need to do to be better than they were last year? AND How will they get that done this year?

LA and other teams may lose players to Europe. How hard would it be for the league to raise the cap? They may have to do that if the dollar stays weak.

I expect CJ and/or Almond to be involved in a trade. We need some defense at SG. PG defense has improved a little with Knight.

Maybe Koufos is doing well enough at PF that they feel they can play him at C/PF this year a little? He doesn't understand the defensive rotations but at least he tends to stay in front of his man.

I am not sure CJ is worth 4 mil but a lot of players are going to Europe and that raises the price of mid level talent.

Henry Drummond | 5:13 p.m. July 25, 2008

Its a good thing I didn't lay a bet on this because I sure would have been wrong.

Reply | 5:16 p.m. July 25, 2008

The Jazz can not trade CJ after signing him for at least a year so he will not be part of a trade this year.

----

Actually the Jazz can trade Miles after three months or immediately after if it is a sign and trade.

The Judge | 5:44 p.m. July 25, 2008

The verdict is still out!

J Money | 5:42 p.m. July 25, 2008

Good job Utah Cj is going to eventually turn into a superstar he's only 22 with a huge upside but he needs minutes he's defenitly worth 4 mill

no trade possible | 5:48 p.m. July 25, 2008

All you guys proposing a trade didn't hear the interview with Kevin O'Conner yesterday. You cannot match an offer to a player and then trade him. CJ is a Jazzman this year: trade is not an option.

liberal Larry | 6:00 p.m. July 25, 2008

I don't think that CJ is Jerry's kind of player, they just signed him for trade purposes. The Jazz learned a lesson after "donating" Fisher to LA last year.

gr8 move! | 6:04 p.m. July 25, 2008

Bottom line is by matching the offer for CJ Miles, this validates that CJ is really a good player the Jazz don't want to lose to another team!!! Last year even though he played limited minutes he showed he's got a lot of potential. Believe me if CJ is given the playing time and opportunity consistently he can be a premier all-star b-ball player.

Terrible move | 6:03 p.m. July 25, 2008

That was the one thing I was looking forward to all offseason, seeing Miles go. And go he did not. Stupid move, they should NOT have matched it. He has never been a contributing factor, and never will be. Even if he has the skill, which I doubt, he does not have the minutes to play. I was looking forward to Almond coming in place of him, but not anymore. Bad move, unless they plan on trading him for someone better.

trade on the horizon | 6:11 p.m. July 25, 2008

If there is one, and CJ is going to OKC after all, then what do we get in return? Adrian Griffin as an off-the-bench defender to spell Brewer is a possibility, or Damien Wilkins, another decent defender. Both play the same position(s) as CJ and might be moved to make room for him anyway.

Good move | 6:15 p.m. July 25, 2008

CJ is an extremely versatile player. He has a keen understanding of the game, all facets of his game are very good and getting better every year. I like Morris Almond, but Morris is still developing different parts of his game, his court recognition is not close to CJ at this this point of his career, and really needs to work on his court presence on defense, offense and transition. CJ runs the floor, and has better recognition of the transition game, and is much more aware of where he should be on the court, passing game and ball handling are also much more advanced than Almond. It is my understanding CJ, he cannot be traded for one year, so the intention is to keep him, but would not be surprised if a trade ensued hopefully to free up some contracts, and create a few opportunities. CJ versatility adds value as he is equally able to play the 2 and the 3 most of the other players at 2 or 3 are fairly limited in certain aspects of their game to be effective outside of their normal position.

HMMM | 6:40 p.m. July 25, 2008

Trade him or play him.

magnus | 6:41 p.m. July 25, 2008

I was against this move but I am not dissappointed and I don't think the Jazz made a mistake.

I agree that there is perhaps something going on behind the scenes that will come to light soon enough.

one thing I think is a possibility is that they are planning on only getting 10-15 minutes a game out of Harpring and that he may only have one year left on him before he is done.

Now that he is signed I actually hope that happens, CJ could be a difference maker off the bench.

It seems to me like if it did happen CJ would be a better fit at SG and Brewer would be better at the SF becasue he is bigger and stronger and better around the rim, but I have just been reminded how little I know so I'll shut up now.

Educated One | 6:43 p.m. July 25, 2008

Seriously.... Some of you blow my mind with how little you know.
Your team just signed a 6 foot 7 wingman who can shoot, drive, create, distribute, and defend who's only 21 years old to a contract that is less than what you paid Gordon Giricek or Carlos Arroyo. The guy has crazy athletic ability, and contrary to pretty much everything that what you are all saying, THE GUY WORKS HARD! Management has all raved over how mature his basketball mind is for how young he is.
It's true, Almond is a GREAT scorer and this signing may decrease his minutes for next year, but remember MORRIS ALMOND IS HERE FOR AT LEAST TWO MORE YEARS (barring a trade), and THREE if you use the team option--He'll get his chance.

This is an absolute brilliant signing. By the end of the contract you'll be wishing it had been a 5 or 6 year deal (You may not believe that now...but you will)

All of you who are thinking a trade is in the works may be right... but possibly not until the iend of this season. Andrei is gone. I love him, but he's gone. Just watch. He's gone.

Kevin | 7:00 p.m. July 25, 2008

Poor, poor decision. C.J. doesn't want to be here and hasn't proven himself whatsoever. The rotation of Brewer and Korver works really well. Contrary to what everyone is saying, C.J. is just too small and weak to play SF. The Jazz are going to be hampered when they try to re-sign Millsap, Boozer, and Okur. The Jazz are sacrificing their future for a guy who scored 29 points one time in his career when the other team had basically given up and stopped playing defense. I though Oklahoma City was dumb to sign the guy for $15 million. The Jazz are even dumber for sacrificing their future for an unproven, spoiled, lazy player.

RP | 7:01 p.m. July 25, 2008

I don't think the Jazz can sign and trade CJ. I think he has to stay with the team for at least 1 yr. Maybe someone can verify this, so if there is a trade in the future it must involve other players.

Pennywise | 7:05 p.m. July 25, 2008

This is great news, if it's a sign and trade deal for a big man. Maybe package him with Collins and a draft pick. I like CJ but he is not worth this price tag, not to the Jazz anyway. If a trade is in the works, this will allow us to give more minutes to the other SG's who deserve more playing time.

Cory | 7:06 p.m. July 25, 2008

Out of curiosity I read the Collective Bargaining Agreement regarding trading CJ. Unlike what has been said here he can be traded within the first year. The CBA says that he cannot be traded to the team that made him an offer, OKC, but he can be traded if he approves it. Here is exactly what it says:

"(g) After exercising its Right of First Refusal as described in this Section 5, the ROFR Team may not trade the Restricted Free Agent for one (1) year, without the playerï¿½s consent. Even with the playerï¿½s consent, for one (1) year, neither the ROFR Team exercising its Right of First Refusal nor any other Team may trade the player to the Team whose Offer Sheet was matched."

So hopefully they are working on some type of sign and trade with CJ because I really don't think he's worth this kind of money.

mario | 7:06 p.m. July 25, 2008

wow! a big mistake

Spears! | 7:29 p.m. July 25, 2008

Oops we did it again......................

Oldfan | 7:54 p.m. July 25, 2008

Great move Jazz! Hopefully CJ will work hard and become more aggressive, he has so much potential. Those of you who think CJ is going to continue to be the 10th man on the bench obviously don't see CJ improving. If he were to remain the same then I would agree that the Jazz probably paid too much but I see alot in CJ's game and expect him to improve and push Brewer for the starting job. If he will work hard he will be a better defender than Korver,(he is so long) he is much more athletic and his shooting percentage was higher than Korver's and it should just get better with more minutes and improved confidence.

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.

Follow us on facebook

Christmas TV guide

Reader comments
Miles ahead: Jazz match offer, keep C.J. around

Add your comment

Hall a finalist for QB's Manning Award

Hall a finalist for QB's Manning Award

Crash snarls I-15 near 10300 South

Grief is OK, even for Mormons

Letters: Woods need not explain

Who's in, who's out for 2010?

Transcript of Chaffetz 'Twittologue'

Romney: Let private sector flourish

Stocks edge higher

Hall a finalist for QB's Manning Award

Reader comments Miles ahead: Jazz match offer, keep C.J. around

Add your comment

Reader comments
Miles ahead: Jazz match offer, keep C.J. around