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Utah Jazz: Boozer tells Chicago radio he expects a trade

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J Grant | 12:22 p.m. July 14, 2009

So why is he talking to Chicago media and not Salt Lake media? Oh well, let's get rid of him.

Get him OUT OF HERE | 12:24 p.m. July 14, 2009

AND MAKE IT QUICK!!!!!!!! LOOZER!!!!!!!!!

Get rid of Boozer | 12:25 p.m. July 14, 2009

The Jazz were in the tough position of having to wait for him to make his opt-in/opt-out decision before working toward a trade. But I'm sure they were thinking about it since the time Boozer said he'd opt-out.

He needs to go. He's consistently injured and he's inconsistent when he's healthy. He's a liability and has been lucky to get the contracts he did.

Get rid of Boozer!

Comments continue below

rawhide | 12:28 p.m. July 14, 2009

Chicago would be a great fit for you Carlos - your game is all Bull

gdog3 | 12:30 p.m. July 14, 2009

Carlos says "If it happens, I will be very happy." Whatever Booz. I doubt Carlos Boozer will ever be happy. But hey Booz, keep telling yourself that there is gold over the rainbow.

CBT | 12:32 p.m. July 14, 2009

Probably because Booze knows by now that it does not matter what he says in SLC to the local media, he will get lampooned over it. He is in a no-win position here in SLC, and I do not blame him for avoiding the Utah media.

Booze got us to the WCF on his shoulders. When he was healthy, he was a stud. injuries were not his fault. Yeah, his comments in December were a mistake, but I just do not get the vitriol towards him. And all I know is that NBA players take note of it and it does not help the cause of getting good free agents to come to town. Fans need to be less hyper-critical.

Real Fan | 12:33 p.m. July 14, 2009

and when no trade happens, he'll flip again. He was just a useless pick up for us only poisoined the water.

Miles | 12:35 p.m. July 14, 2009

From what i am reading, The Jazz do not want Carlos in uniform this coming season. As much as he gets hurt, who could blame them. The problem I see is when you appear desperate to trade someone, you don't receive much value back in return. The Jazz are not in the driver's seat on this one. However, if the Jazz feel that Millsap can fill the role for them, they will probably let Boozer go for not much in return. It would be nice if we could find a interior defender in the trade. Personally I am not convinced that Millsap is the answer at the 4 due to our record last year with him starting a lot of the season. As I have said before, I believe it is in the Jazz's best interest to let Boozer, Millsap walk this year and develop the other bigs. Get rid of Korver, AK and Harpring next year a build a better defensive team. But honestly we are not in a good position either way of making it to the finals. Our best chance is with Boozer on the team. That is, if, he is healthy.

G. Jones | 12:40 p.m. July 14, 2009

Don't be a hater. You had no problems with Boozer when you made it to the finals. Life is what it is. He has a life outside of the next season to consider and anyone with any intelligence wants what's best for them. He did absolutely nothing against the Jazz team and as he said it's a decision that will have to be respected regardless of the outcome. He opted to stay with the Jazz team but if "they" want to trade him, don't disrespect him.

Nick | 12:44 p.m. July 14, 2009

"hopefully I'll do what's best for me as well"

- This is the story of your career, Carlos. It's always been about what's best for you, and not your team. You lied to the Cavaliers when they tried to do you a favor. You lied to the Jazz about opting out. Now you're turning your back on the franchise. Good riddance, get lost you bum. You'll probably pull a hammy when the door hits your backside on the way out.

To CBT | 12:45 p.m. July 14, 2009

"...I just do not get the vitriol towards him"?

1) Could it have something to do with the fact that it took him almost a whole season to get over a pulled hammy, and half of another to recuperate from a deep thigh bruise? Tough to second-guess soft tissue injuries, but that always seemed a bit suspicious to me.

2) Or do you think it could be because after he came back this past season and the Jazz were in line for the 5/6 playoff slot, and he pushed us (or at very least was a significant part...) all the way down to 8?

If fans need to be less hyper-critical, then these multi-millionaire athletes need to be a bit less hyper-sensitive. They only live in the cities they play in (with a few exceptions) for half the year anyway.

Miles | 12:45 p.m. July 14, 2009

@CBT: Who pays Boozer's salary. The fans. And they want their money's worth and Boozer doesn't give it to them. Boozer deserves everything that is said about him as he hides most of the time from the media.

So Long Booz | 12:46 p.m. July 14, 2009

I think we all know a trade is coming. I don't think it was Boozer's fault he got injured, but it's hard to get behind a guy who takes ten games off for a hangnail and takes months off for injuries most players return from after a couple of weeks. I realize not all power forwards can be Karl Malone, but he missed one of every three games he was paid to play. I think the straw that broke the camel's back in the fan's eyes was when he returned from injury just in time to torpedo the Jazz's season. Sloan tried to ease him in so he didn't disrupt the Jazz's winning streak, he complained about minutes, played more and the losses piled up. He's got loads of potential, but I think he's toxic in the locker-room. He makes the players around him worse and his D is terrible. I'm not saying Milsap is the second coming of Malone, but at least he won't bring everyone around him down and he'll play D.

Miles | 12:48 p.m. July 14, 2009

Odom is still available.

To Miles | 12:51 p.m. July 14, 2009

One problem with your theory of letting the other bigs develop is that we have this supposed Hall of Fame coach who doesn't buy into your philosophy. The only new players he "lets develop" are those coming from other teams. The Jazz picks he has "let develop" can be counted on one hand, in spite of his 20+ years with this team.

I agree with you, don't get me wrong, but I just don't see that happening until someone besides Sloan is in the driver's seat.

Chadders | 12:56 p.m. July 14, 2009

RE: CBT
You do have a good point. If other stars think we disrespect our players it gives SLC a bad rep, but considering Deron Williams is a demi-God here and we made statues for guys who couldn't quite get over the hump I don't know how valid that is. If you do the best job you can the fans here will love you until you are way past your prime. In Boston or LA do they care about their players? Not unless you win multiple, multiple championships. If you won a ring here, you'd be set for life. I mean even Stock and Malone have a car dealorship here and neither of them even live here anymore.
Unfortunately most athletes aren't smart enough to realize that. But the one's that do definetely get their rewards. The whole Boozer situation has been a sad affair. I really do wish him the best but it's obvious the best thing is to get rid of him. From what I've heard he is a class act off the court to fans in person. It's too bad it didn't work out.

RE:CBT | 12:57 p.m. July 14, 2009

I couldn't agree more. Jazz fans emotional reaction regarding Boozer have no basis in fact or logic. I have watched or listened to every single jazz game for over 10 years. Boozer has been an absolute stud for us when he has been healthy. Averaging 20 and 10, by definition is consistent, great play.
For all you so called Jazz fans who claim he is the worst defending PF in the game, please back that up with some examples where other teams power fowards have had carrier games on him. Sure he has problems with Odom and he gets lost on help defense, but our 2 guards routingly get lit up by opposing 2's. If the Jazz don't want to risk the luxury tax implications on him because he has been injured so much and taken so long to come back from injury. I completely agree with their decision. But trading the guy for nothing, i.e. Tyrus Thomas, would be a hugh mistake. When healthy, Boozer is an elite big man, with some of the best post footwork in the game.

Blauch | 12:58 p.m. July 14, 2009

Boozer and Miles to NYC for a sign and trade of David Lee and Mobley and 2 mill cash (Mobley has a heart condition so he won't be playing anymore. 80% of his salary will be covered by insurance that mean the Jazz could buy him out for 2 million and 9.5 million comes off the books)

Do a Sign and Trade with Lee for the same amount of money as Millsap - 4 years 32 million, but don't front load the contract. 7, 7.75, 8.25 and 9 respectively. This means 2010 the Jazz will be paying 13.5 million on Millsap and Lee - which is the same amount of money a team will be paying for Boozer - suckers. This gives NYC flexibility to either sign another free agent or they have the option to signing Boozer.

It takes the Jazz salary down from Boozer and Miles 17.2 million to 17.25 million for Lee and Millsap. Total Jazz Salary 73 million.

The Jazz release Harpring at tradeline and they are under the threshold. They could even offer Jamanio Moon a contract

Williams
Brewer
AK
Millsap
Okur

Bench - Lee/Korver/Moon/Koufas/Maynor

Boozer with Class? | 12:59 p.m. July 14, 2009

Boozer is actually handling this with class... He could make trading himself even harder by going out there and saying that he'd only be happy if was traded with such and such team. Not only that, but he making himself look good in other markets, which could only help the Jazz out in a trade scenario. Thanks Boozer for the assist!

Odom | 1:01 p.m. July 14, 2009

Really isn't that good, he is just as sketchy as Boozer is.

Boozer value | 1:03 p.m. July 14, 2009

Let's face it. This off-season has been hard for business.

The Jazz will never be able to get value for Boozer. He's proven to be unreliable and everyone knows we want him out. We'll be lucky to get even a good player, certainly no all-stars are out there for this team.

Signing Millsap will create enormous financial penalties for the team. Huge losses that can only be made up by revenue increases.

Reality is that no team whose best player is a point guard has much of a chance in the playoffs.

Let's see how the Jazz get out of this one.

Yearsley | 1:04 p.m. July 14, 2009

I personally believe having Paul as our primary power foward could be a good plan in the long run. I sure do hope that Utah trades Carlos to as well, but the Jazz need to get someone in return who would be willing to make an impact immediately. Remember the days back in 03-04 when Andrei was averaging 16 pts, and 8.5 rebs a game, as our power foward, he wasn't very strong as we all know but he made up for the lack thereof with his quickness, among other things. Matt was great for us at that time as well, but with age his body has just been worn down, along with having multiple knee surgeries. He is still a good player for Jerry's system, I sure hope he doesn't call it a career just yet, I still believe he has a good few years left in him. Kyle needs to stay with Utah for as long as possible, we haven't had a good 3 point shooter since Jeff Hornacek retired, so the Jazz should keep him for at least another two-four years, if he is willing to commit that long.

Get rid of... | 1:05 p.m. July 14, 2009

Boozer and miles,pick up a Tyson Chandler/Chris Kaman type,especially miles....he NEEDS TO GO

Chadders | 1:07 p.m. July 14, 2009

Re:G Jones
If you believe that is true, then you are correct. However the Jazz have always been a honest organization. From listening to David Locke's show yesterday (who has friends in the Jazz organization that are very high up) that conversation NEVER HAPPENED. He got that from at least 2 very credible Jazz sources that they never told Carlos he was not in the Utah's future plans. If Carlos wants out so bad he should man up about it and say so, not try and put it on the Jazz. Carlos could have been more loved than Malone here, but the sad thing is he couldn't stop burning all his bridges and milking everything. This is probably one of the saddest stories in Jazz history (from a basketball perspective). I hope Carlos gets it together in Chicago or Detroit or Miami but honestly I have my doubts. I just hope at least something positive can come from the trade. Thanks for the things you did Carlos. I'm very sorry to see it all end this way.

Chris | 1:08 p.m. July 14, 2009

Hey CBT you also need a player that you can respect off the court too. I don't think the jazz ever wanted Dennis Rodman suiting up for them even though he could rebound like nobody's business...

CJ3 | 1:08 p.m. July 14, 2009

While the Boozer vs Millsap debate has been a blast, it's a shame to see folks not supporting the "team" concept any longer.

Utah fans used to be considered among the best, but now...

Bashing Boozer for saying something stupid is hypocritical, because the ones doing it have said some of the stupidest things I've ever heard.

It's little wonder he doesn't want to be here anymore. Feelings have obviously been hurt and it's up to the Jazz management to step up and do what's best for the team.

Boise Bill | 1:09 p.m. July 14, 2009

If you look at both players (Milsap and Boozer) and evaluate them on where they were when they each played 2 seasons, Milsap's numbers are much more impressive. We really need to resign Milsap and let Boozer go. Plus there is the issue of character. Milsap has it and Boozer doesn't. Just watch Milsap as he mingles with fans, he's still humble and excited to be living the NBA dream Boozer on the other hand has an obvious sense of entitlement. He has a superstar ego with mediocre skills.

you know whats funny... | 1:10 p.m. July 14, 2009

when people call boozer loozer. It just never gets old. You see its funny because his name is boozer and you just change one letter and its loozer!!! it gets me everytime. Man that is just some rich clever humor.

YES!!!! | 1:10 p.m. July 14, 2009

Whoooo Hooooooooo!!! OOOOOHHHHHH YYYEEEEAAAAHHH!!! YES YES YES!!!

Don't let the door hit you on the way out - it might cause a career ending injury.

Boozerite | 1:11 p.m. July 14, 2009

I don't care what anyone says, we are not going to the finals without Boozer. Milsap is not the answer. I love Paul and would love to have him stay as a backup, but he is not Boozer. If the team as a whole concentrates more on defense or we could pick up someone like a Raja Bell, we would have a chance to go further in the playoffs, but we need Boozer to do that. I promise, if we lose Boozer this year and don't get much in return, it is going to be a gloomy year for Jazz fans.

JT | 1:12 p.m. July 14, 2009

Boozer,
Don't let the door hit you on the way out!

Odom and Beasley | 1:13 p.m. July 14, 2009

Let them both go and pursue ODOM, LA isn't giving him the dough he wants we could get him for 7M, because he would be thrilled to move here. He is better than Millsap will ever be, both of them disappear at times. I also love C. Booz for M. Beasley it may not pan out as there is a reason Miami doesn't want Beasely.

David Locke | 1:13 p.m. July 14, 2009

This is the second time this week that Locke has been contradicted with this report; this time with a direct quote from Boozer. Locke claimed all day yesterday that the Jazz never told Boozer anything about his future. KFAN is losing all credibility in my eyes with their biased reporting.

Don't Go!!! | 1:17 p.m. July 14, 2009

Such an amazinq player he is...When he is uninjured. Its sad to see him leave the team. It seems that he just joinedthe teamnow hes already leaving. They should qet rid of Faseenko or Brewer. Hopefully he will enjoy playing for Chicaqobut will miss Utah. How was he supposed to prevent his injuries? I think what the team needs is a new coach. Sloan is to hard on them. Farewell Boozer~

Golden state | 1:29 p.m. July 14, 2009

They should trade Boozer to Golden state for a first round draft choice. That way they could match pauls offer and be under the cap with potential to get 2 lottery picks.

Jim Naisium | 1:31 p.m. July 14, 2009

Wherever Boozer goes, he will be motivated and end up having an all star season. Jazz will match Portland's offer and keep Millsap, Millsap will then become uninspired and lazy now that he'll have the big bucks, he will miss the majority of games and be out of the lineup because he stubbed his toe and has an ingrown toenail.

Anonymous | 1:33 p.m. July 14, 2009

I may be one of the few Boozer fans here in Salt Lake. But I think he should go to another team where he will not be treated so horribly, and he will reward the fans tremendously. He stopped liking playing here as soon as we lost in the WCF. That is when the fans here decided to turn on him because of a perceived lack of defense.
He is decent, but needs to play with a defensive player alongside him to be effective. That is the only problem. Fans here in Utah are constantly trying to find a scapegoat, some excuse for not being the greatest. He happens to be it at this time. If the Jazz don't win it all, they will say that Sloan is the worst coach ever.
Neither of my previously stated arguments are correct, but Jazzland will lambaste me for saying anything that doesn't stroke their ego.

jazz=mediocraty | 1:35 p.m. July 14, 2009

The Jazz will not win an NBA title with or without him. Once you Jazz fans come back to earth (along with BYU and Utah Football fans) and figure out that our local teams are great regional teams but rarely, if ever, compete with the power teams, you will all enjoy your teams much more. Embrace your position as good but not great and you can focus on keeping your children and grandchildren out of jail and employed. Furthermore, didn't you all know what kind of a guy he was when he did the same thing in Cleveland? Now you fans start to complain. Ha ha.

What bigs? | 1:37 p.m. July 14, 2009

Miles you talked about the Jazz letting Millsap and Boozer walk in order to let their other bigs develop. Surely you can't be talking about Koufos and Fess right? Fess will be lucky to be in the league in three years, and Koufos' game is still raw.
I saw every home game of the Flash last season, and I must say that Jazz fans highly overestimate Koufos' game. He is awful offensively outside of 5 feet from the basket and gets pounded on the boards. I've never seen a guy that big struggle so much to get rebounds. He does offer a little bit of presence defensively because of his size, but both he and Fess would be devastatingly poor as a replacement for either Boozer or Millsap.
I'm not a big Boozer fan, but the Jazz have to keep him if they're gonna let Millsap walk, or get value back at the 4. Because outside of Okur, the Jazz have NOTHING as far as big men go.

John Wicks | 1:38 p.m. July 14, 2009

David Locke is a bigger loser than BBBBOOOZER.

keep boozer | 1:39 p.m. July 14, 2009

who will you get in return? If we were on the other side pursuing someone and a Boozer came along you would all be out of your minds excited. Instead you are hating on a upper tier player that is the closest thing on the otherside to creating a Stockton & Malone type of game. Whaterver, he was a great fit for Jerrys game.

RE: David Locke | 1:40 p.m. July 14, 2009

Locke is such a Boozer homer and an idiot to boot. For some reason he thinks that his opinion is the only one that matters and refuses to try and understand why fans would be frustrated with Boozer. Because of PK and Locke I now refuse to listen to KFAN anymore.

Just Me | 1:47 p.m. July 14, 2009

I hate it when people think who we should get when Boozer is traded. If you were so smart why arent you a GM in the NBA? And youre also predicting Milsap will be the best PF we've had. He isnt that great either. Boozer is a lot better than Milsap its just Milsap hustles and plays hard. If Boozer had Milsaps heart he'd be the best PF in the league now. I like Boozer as a player. Not the best player but he is good. Its just NBA players think they are gods greatest on earth. Milsap is like every other NBA player. Money first. I would be too. Money talks. Loyalty left the NBA when classic stars like Jordan, Stockton, Robinson retired. Just cheer for the ones that stay and play. If you dont like it, watch another sport.

SKippy | 1:51 p.m. July 14, 2009

I have nothing against Boozer. I think he's great and has done an awesome job (when healthy). This is about business. Despite everything, Boozer is likely to walk next season if we keep him. If we could pick up someone decent for him now, then let's do it. Otherwise, keep him and expect cap relief next year. I just don't want to see something like Boozer for Tyrus Thomas. That wouldn't be a step in the right direction. If we're making a trade, make it a good one.

Chadders | 1:51 p.m. July 14, 2009

You have got to be kidding me about Locke!? It doens't make sense why would the Jazz do that and not come out and admit it? The Jazz are a very open organization that had no reason to do that and then not admit it. Both times this has been mentioned it has come from Boozer, not exactly the fountain of truth. "I'm opting out, reggardless I'm getting a raise" then he denied that too. "I want to be here, I'm a cornerstone here". "I am a starter period".

Pardon me if I believe Locke and the Jazz more than Boozer. They have a better history of telling the truth.

Your Out of Here!! | 1:56 p.m. July 14, 2009

Seriously what is Boozer's problem? First of all he totally dogged the Jazz for the past three seasons with injury problems or at least the ones he made-up in his mind and now he has shows his lack of class again to go on a Chicago rado station to disclose his intentions. What a spinless wonder! And since when is he a "team leader" and "dominant low post threat"?? I am just thankful the Utah Jazz have avoided another historic contract mistake by allowing themselves to sign Boozer for a long term deal. As a Jazz fan I don't think I could stand to watch another contract mistake like AK or the "one game wonder" Ostertag. See ya Boozer!!

CJ3 | 1:56 p.m. July 14, 2009

Re: Locke comments

Don't be dense. It's pretty obvious that the comments are coming from the Boozer camp, not the Jazz. You guys don't believe anything Boozer says anyway, so bashing Locke for Boozer's comments makes your credibilty the shakier.

Forget Odom. If Booz wants to be a Bull then get John Salmons from them in the deal.

Resign Millsap, let AK and Kou back him up, and Salmons is that bonified wing the Jazz need, with a rep as a Kobe-stopper!

Houdini | 1:58 p.m. July 14, 2009

I like the Boozer/miles for Lee idea,because if we lose Boozer and don`t get anyone to replace him,we`re gonna be in a world of hurt,it`ll be ugly,stop Williams and Memo,the only 2 guys who can actually find their own shot...and you`ve stopped us cold

hey hey hey..... | 2:04 p.m. July 14, 2009

I love this idea of trading Boozer, but can't we still swap him for TrEe BeaRD SkUlTZ from the 8th ward all-starz??? I have tried emailing/calling Jerry O'Connor but he thinks TreE's lanky arms are too much to handle....Todd From Santa Ana what do you think?

jason | 2:05 p.m. July 14, 2009

The Jazz will match for Millsap. Boozer will be traded (for whom, remains to be seen). I sense that the Jazz organization will view the coming season as kind of a fresh start, and I'm excited about the team. I think they will get a quality player in return for Boozer, and that along with the Knicks draft pick next season, and the possibility of being a player in next seasons free agent market has me very excited about where this team is going in the next 2 to 5 years.

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