Reader comments
Utah Jazz: Memo will stay in Utah, too

Awesome | 5:33 p.m. June 30, 2009

Thanks Memo...Unlike Boozer, your actually wanted around here! Sign a long-term deal and stay a while longer will you?

Anonymous | 5:38 p.m. June 30, 2009

im shocked. memo is the worst player on our team!

todd on same ol | 5:38 p.m. June 30, 2009

Tough to be a jazz fan and getting harder every minute. This is a huge mistake. With Snoozer and Okur starting together, the defense will remain horrible. The Centers will lose time. I was hoping Okur would leave. Boozer might have been more valuable especially this year. Now nothing has changed

I told every one of you it would end up being the same Jazz team in 2009-2010 led by your "man' Sloan.

The only difference is Knight and maybe Collins gone replaced by 2 rookies and likely gary Wilkinson or Kevin Krueger replacing Paul Millsap.

There is your Jazz of 2009-2010

#7, #8 seed at best and will lose to La, Denver or san Antonio Round one of the playoffs;

When the dust settled tonight, Korver, Snoozer and Okur stay, Millsap gone. 3 out of 4

Figured and Millsap gone.

I wish paul the Best.

Maybe "Jer" can bring in Knight and Collins part of the 15 man roster and throw Wilkinson and Krueger and Goran a biscuit or a bone and looks like same

for Miles "a Great night"

CJ will remain and likely start

It is Sloan

Comments continue below

STEVE-O | 5:42 p.m. June 30, 2009

I'm excited about this! I guess Millsap is the odd man out. Oh well that's the way the ball bounces.

Anonymous | 5:50 p.m. June 30, 2009

Boo!!!

Good news | 5:50 p.m. June 30, 2009

I am really glad that Okur is sticking around. Now if we can only get rid of that pesky Boozer, pick up Kaman, Camby or Chandler and move Okur to the 4 spot.

Lets get real about Millsap | 5:58 p.m. June 30, 2009

OKC has money to go after Millsap but why would they? They already have Jeff Green who scores 16 points and 7 rebounds and he is only in his 2nd year. Green makes 3.5 Mill. According to some reports Millsap would be backing up Green.

What they really need is a Center and maybe an up grade at SG.

Paul is a good rebounder but his shooting needs improvement. Unless you think he is going to be a super star and fairly fast you are not about to offer 12.5 mill a year for 5 years.

In this market there are to many other really good cheap young players who have just as much potential and who would cost a lot less.

Gortat make more sense for the Thunder to go after.

Justin | 6:03 p.m. June 30, 2009

I think the Jazz will do what they have to to keep Millsap. There are a number of ways for this to happen. The Jazz really like Paul and he really likes the Jazz, suupposedly. Things will work out. The one who is killing us is Kirilenko with his ridiculous contract. If not for him the Jazz would have absolutely no fear of spending too much to keep the players they want.

Nobody knows | 6:15 p.m. June 30, 2009

Milsap may or may not fit in OKC. I don't think he's durable enough to play starter minutes at the PF position. I wish him well. If Boozer will man up and play and stay injury free he is a great player. Memo stretches the defense, and I'm sure the jazz will welcome him back. Those who think they know basketball should take a wait and see attitude. Defense can always turn around.

BW | 6:19 p.m. June 30, 2009

I think everyone is worrying to much. The Jazz have to match for Millsap because Boozer will be gone after this year. We pay the luxury tax, give the team one final year. They can be great if healthy. If we don't win it all we will have plenty of room next summer under the cap. Boozer, Okur, Korver, and Harpring will all come off the books. AK will then be in the final year of his deal. There will be plenty of free agents next year. We just have to keep DWill happy!!!!

Brutally Honest | 6:24 p.m. June 30, 2009

I just got off the phone with KOC - This is what he's thinking... We need to clean house - get rid of D-Will especially, I hope we can go out and get AI... if not, we should keep Collins and Knight to build around and get rid of everyone else!

He heard that Ostertag is coming out of retirement! Please, Please, Please, I just hope we can land him!!!

I just hope we can pay AK-47 it little more... he is probably the most underpaid player of all time!

Boozer has got to be the toughest player I've ever seen, I mean talk about an IRON MAN - He would play through any pain imaginable!!!

All I've gotta say is... "SWEEEEEEET"

Ro | 6:24 p.m. June 30, 2009

Hopefully there is a trade in the works. This is not a championship team as is. We need an athletic (3)small forward, and a center who can alter shots. Hopefully K-Fez, or KK can step up and be that guy. I still want to re-sign Ronnie Price, I'd like to see him play with Deron Williams instead of backing him up all the time. Not sure why Brev got more clock than RP, he was balling last year, and even this year when D-Will went down. Boozer wouldn't be so bad if we had a Center who could play help side D. If we keep Millsap, I'd package CJ Miles, and Boozer or Okur, or AK, for Amare Stoudemire or someone of that nature. I really like that backup center in Orlando-Gortat... He showed me some talent, he's just stuck behind Dwight the great. Ronnie Price and D-Will have that killer instinct to get to the whole, no one else on this team does. Until we fix that problem, we'll be a one and done team year in, year out. Might get lucky here and there.

I think that Boozer | 6:27 p.m. June 30, 2009

will get traded partly for contracts that can be bought out cheap to avoid the Lux tax and maybe something of value like a SG who can shoot.

Harp will probably also get bought out or traded for picks to help get under the Lux tax.

That probably won't happen until mid season. By that time Millsap will have time to improve his moves and shooting range. He can replace Boozer. Koufos will have had time to improve enough to play back up PF. Suton maybe can back up Okur. We will see.

The worst case is if Boozer is injured and can't be traded due to some rule.

The key is to use this year and next to actively make trades that will improve the team while getting under the Lux tax.

With the exception of CLE and ORL, 72 mill will get you a contender if KOC is doing his job well.

The Jazz should be able to get the 7 th seed just by staying healthy as both HOU and PHO will be bad.

Like It Or Not | 6:28 p.m. June 30, 2009

Milsap is probaly history. Now what? First off let me make it very plain-I love Millie. But actually he is not an athletic freak, more of a hard working plodder. Never stops, only foul problems seem to limit his playing time. Fact is now--what have we got to replace him? Kosta Koufus is who! Milsap was somewhat limited his first year and because of Sloan so was Koufus. Koufus is willing to work every bit as hard as Milsap did. Milsap make big strides after his first year and so will Koufus. I was questioned about the position, and that Koufus and Milsap didn't play the same position ,but YES they do. Both are inside players, but Koufus can shoot it better from outside even now better than Millie. What other option do we have? Hopefully Fess and Suton will contribute also.

scott | 6:34 p.m. June 30, 2009

As long as the jazz kick the nuggets butts next season I will be happy, die thuggets die!!!

Observation-ist | 6:35 p.m. June 30, 2009

Let's remember some facts in this discussion:
Here is the Jazz PAYROLL for the upcoming season. You tell me ... WHO'S WORTH WHAT THEIR GETTING PAID? WHO'S THE THIEF?

Andrei Kirilenko $16,452,000
C.J. Miles $3,700,000
Carlos Boozer $12,323,900
Deron Williams $13,758,000
Kosta Koufos $1,214,040
Kyle Korver $5,263,636
Kyrylo Fesenko $870,000
Matt Harpring $6,500,000
Mehmet Okur $9,500,000
Paul Millsap $5,600,000 (Mid-Level Exception)
Ronnie Brewer $2,717,161
Ronnie Price $1,188,000
Eric Maynor $1,129,320 (Rookie Salary)
TOTAL TEAM SALARY $81,372,977

That's 9 MILLION over the projected salary cap which will incur a 9 MILLION dollar penalty in February 2010 if something (trade) isn't done.

Before you beat up on Boozer (I'd done my share), give AK a few choice words as well. He's by far the biggest thief on the roster.

What To Do Now? This | 6:44 p.m. June 30, 2009

Trade Harpring and his expiring contract 6.5mil to Sac for Nocioni who makes 7.5mil. It works under the NBA trade rules of 80% exchange differences. He's 6'7 and 225 and will fill the Milsap hole.

Matt Harpring Is Now Needed | 6:48 p.m. June 30, 2009

Matt Harpring hopefully can fill it up for Milsap. They play the same and both are the same size.

RG | 6:53 p.m. June 30, 2009

As a fan, I am glad these players are staying, team will be competitive next year. Not great, but competitive. If I was Greg Miller, however, I would can Kevin O'Connor in a heartbeat for getting me into this financial nightmare. You are the GM! You didn't anticipate this happening? Everything went according to contract and we are going to be 15 million over the luxury tax with a 50 win team! If KOC is our GM at the start of the season, I will be shocked.

RWT | 6:54 p.m. June 30, 2009

I am excited about this coming up season, I believe with this group of core guys, the Jazz are the top three in the West as long as they stay healthy. The Jazz still need Milsap though, which I believe that they will. They can win 55-60 games. Just sit back and watch.
Go Jazz!

Just wondering | 7:08 p.m. June 30, 2009

And this is breaking news ... why?

So Far So Good | 7:18 p.m. June 30, 2009

There is hope. This Organization did not do something stupid like give Okur or Boozer a big raise. You could make a case for a small raise for Okur but not in this market.

Unless the Jazz are challenging LA/SA for the West I would expect some trades that improve the team and get under the luxury tax.

KOC has a lot of options now. He has 33.5 million in expiring contracts to work with and 1/2 of the NBA will be fire selling some of the best players.

This is the year the Jazz get a lot better if management does it's job. No offense intended but I have more faith in the organization with Greg running it. He will treat it like a business. If he does not get the value he feels that he should out of a player he will be gone about as fast as a bad Toyota salesman.

Sloan may even have to watch his act. I wonder what Greg would say about a Sales Manager who felt that motivating his sales force was not part of his job?

There is hope for some great trades.

Thanks Jazz

annonymous | 7:32 p.m. June 30, 2009

please trade boozer so they can sign millsap long term keep okur and korver price let knight and collins go free somewhre else

Re: What to do now? This | 7:34 p.m. June 30, 2009

Yes I'm sure that Sac thinks that Harpring and Nocioni are comparable players... Get a clue

Searce | 7:36 p.m. June 30, 2009

Re: todd on same ol 5:38

Do you think you were the only one that thought Booz and Okur would "opt in"? I think probably many others figured tha same thing.

What do you mean "this is a huge mistake"? What did anyone do that they shouldn't have done? Do you mean it is a mistake on Booz's or Okur"s part? I don't think they feel that way. The Jazz organizations' hands were tied. Not much, if anything, they could do. I think both of them will play very hard this year so as someone will want to sign them next year, if the Jazz do not re-sign them to a new contract. I'm anxious to see what happens this coming year.

jizzazztizzime | 8:07 p.m. June 30, 2009

Trade Boozer and Keep Milsap it's as simple as that. Detroit wants Boozer anyway, they just didn't want him at 14/15 million.

Annie | 8:30 p.m. June 30, 2009

Ohmagawsh!!! Glad about Korver (wrist improvements), sorta glad about Memo, confused about Boozer (should try harder to show better in the next contract year), but really NOT wanting to lose Milsap (I've wanted to adopt him since he joined the team). Will remain a devoted Jazz fan, as most of you will be as well, and hope for the best, whatever that may be, with or without whomever. We can hope for some positive surprises with the rest of the roster. Go Jazzboys!!!

Anonymous | 8:30 p.m. June 30, 2009

Hooray! We have last year's middle-of-the-pack team back, minus Millsap! That's at least about 9th place in the Western Conference, yahoo!

page | 8:45 p.m. June 30, 2009

there is still hope, the Jazz have 3 expiring contracts that a lot of teams want also any one of them could be traded before or after the trade deadline

GO JAZZ,GO SLOAN!!!! | 9:00 p.m. June 30, 2009

All Jerry needs to do is bench miles,and put AK back in the starting lineup...WE WIN!!!!get rid of miles,he`s worthless

Jazz Fan | 9:01 p.m. June 30, 2009

I'm just hoping they learn how to win on the road. It's not the players we have that are the problem. We play like giants at home and midgets on the road. If they can just learn how to focus on the road we should be fine. If they can go 37-4 at home this year and just win a few more than half of there road games, they should be in place for a really good playoff seed. They would only need to go 23-18 on the road in order to win 60 games. That's very feasible if they just play as hard on the road as they do at home.

Just Me | 9:06 p.m. June 30, 2009

Wave goodbye to Paul

todd from santa ana | 9:07 p.m. June 30, 2009

With this current roster the Jazz I feel will finish #6 in the West and might win 50.

However, come playoff time because of Sloan philosophies, lack interior defense, and same ol sub patters not adjusting to game situations., Denver or Portland will likely eliminate the Jazz in round 1.

Then Sloan will be a hero again for his holics saying "what a coach" won 50, how could we improve on that.,

I agree on one thing:

Next year now could set this organization on a downward or upward path for 5 to 10 years because those salaries come off the book.

I agree on AK

Elway took a paycut so The Broncos could win a Super Bowl.

AK should have on his own adjusted his contract cut in 1/2 because he is "stealing" 16 million whether he is a mental mess, does not like SLoan, he is still "paid to be a professional"

I would agree it starts there.....

Millsap's Mom | 9:09 p.m. June 30, 2009

Two words KOC - KEEP MILLSAP!!!! Please

(ok that was three words but you get the picture)

jazz faithful | 9:17 p.m. June 30, 2009

you guys are all whining about boozer and AK. it gets old. if it wasn't for guys like them along with okur and d will of course we wouldn't of had the seasons we did. millsap will stay because there is no chance they will let him go when boozer and okur will be free agents next year. think about it

Cowboy Joe | 9:22 p.m. June 30, 2009

Same ol Jazz same ol results. Now if Greg and Kevin are serious they will get down to business. First I would trade Boozer to the Bulls for Ben Gordon. Of course it would have to be a sign and trade. Secondly I would trade Harpring and Miles to the Clippers for Camby, and third trade AK to the Warriors for Maggette and Marcus Williams.
Jazz Roster
PG Williams, Williams, Maynor
SG Gordon, Brewer, Korver
SF Maggette, Brewer
PF Millsap, Koufous
C Camby Okur
That team would address all of the Jazz problems with interior defense and outside shooting, and also provide for some financial flexibility.

jazz faithfull | 9:22 p.m. June 30, 2009

also AK,boozer,okur have stayed with us and will be full filling their contracts unlike alot of stars today so give them a break. most of you bagging on getting rid of these guys would be bagging on the team for not winning as many games if we didn't have them on our team.

todd to jazz faithful | 9:34 p.m. June 30, 2009

it is cause little or few else want these players my friend

Anonymous | 9:45 p.m. June 30, 2009

Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Let go AK, HE DOESNT DESERVE THE MONEY AT ALL!!!! Boozer AND Okur Out

UTAH JAZZ 2011

PLEASE BRING BOSH AND CAMBY!!!!!!

Optimist | 9:55 p.m. June 30, 2009

Boozer is about money. Assuming his family can somehow survive on just $12.7 Million, and he doesn't faint from having to survive on beans and rice, then his own greed should push him to do everything he can this year to convince the other teams that he deserves to sign for more next year. Okur will work hard, too. AK should take a cut to keep Milsap (yeah, that'll happen for sure!). Here's the reason for optimism: they have played together for years and are comfortable and know their strengths and places. Glad to have Korver, would keep Harp, too. They have nothing to lose now. We should see some great chemistry. Brewer, real possibilities. C.J.? Just don't know.
I predict a conference final finish, with some good chemistry.

todd "hail to cowboy joe" | 10:05 p.m. June 30, 2009

Who would have thunk it?

We started off poorly. Magnus is outstanding usually. CHadders pretty good, few others. But "no one thinks more like me" than the "great" cowboy

Summary your proposed roster:

"simply maarvelous!"

I love all of it! You should be GM YEAHHHHHH

Great take on Marcus Williams Joe. I do not know what happened to his game and why New Joysey traded him.

I went to a game 2 years ago at Staples when New Joysey at Cloppers. Marcus I thought would be a star and personally played better by far than Mr. Kidd. He was getting accolades all season. OF COURSE UNDER THE BUFFOON "NELLIE" GAME REGRESSED.

I love this roster. This roster can compete with the "fakers" what on the finances though? I am sure you figured it out.

Ladies and Gents "Pure Genius"

Are you jealous?

Jazz Cop | 10:06 p.m. June 30, 2009

As a fan, this is probably the best case scenario. The jazz will be over the luxury tax, the only really bad contract the jazz have is ak, who should be making alot less. With all the opt ins, the jazz have plenty of trade bait, the lack of defense should be addressed, by moving either boozer or okur, or both. Okur first, I'll be dissapointed if okur is on the team next year, the jazz have two young centers who need playing time, I don't think okur is that valuable, his three point shooting is good, but he kills the jazz by taking defensive plays off, of all the players he's the center and you'd want him to be the defensive cog, which he isn't and doesn't seem to want to be either. The jazz are improved just by memo not being on the team. Boozer, he should be traded as well, and will probably bring in some good talent. I don't mind ak as much, i think he'd play better if he wasn't always picking up defensive slack for boozer and okur, but he should be traded too.

@Todd | 10:07 p.m. June 30, 2009

I do not think this is such a bad situation. Since Greg will be deep into the luxury tax, if any of the big expiring contracts are not producing they will get dumped for a much better player.

The only way this team stays together all year is if they are one of the top 3 teams in the West and challenging LA and SA.

Greg will pay the luxury tax one year to make a transition to a better team. If the right player(s) comes along Boozer, Okur, Korver and Harp are gone.

For example Boozer's expiring contract could be traded for 9.5 million in a younger better player and a throw in who would be waived. That gives Greg cap relief and a better player.

They are not likely to do that unless
1. a better player is available
2. the team or Jazz player is under achieving.

I am impressed the Jazz held their ground and did not over pay any of the 3. They called every players bluff. This organization seems to be learning from past mistakes.

Greg is slowing setting up major changes. This team will be much different in 2011.

Happy Fan | 10:18 p.m. June 30, 2009

So great to keep Korver and Okur with the Jazz! Not so sure about what can be done about Boozer, hopefully something will come up!

todd to 1007 post | 10:43 p.m. June 30, 2009

Good job. Valid take, well construed.

If you are right that is encouraging. The one positive thing also is at least it is not "a throw away garbage campaign in 09-10. That means at least we will have something interesting to talk about and see how the team plays, with still not "affecting" the changes hoped in 2010-2011 and we do not have to be 20 win team and stay decent with next year being "the key word no matter what happens this year"

As long as Greg, and Kevin and staff get the job done and do it. Have all a good night...

Who cares? | 11:00 p.m. June 30, 2009

I want the Jazz to go over the luxury tax... Its not my money. Also Remember last year when D Will was hurt and Boozer put the team on his shoulders the Jazz went 8-4 to start the season and Boozer played out of his mind. If this team stays healthy they could push 55-60 wins and then get a 2-3 seed in the playoffs and ANYTHING can happen. I'm glad the Jazz brass have made an attempt to get better. Also remember all these "fantasy trades" both teams have to agree on them. Go Jazz great off season moves!

lol | 1:17 a.m. July 1, 2009

all the memo haters. one word SPACING!!!! how can d-will drive if all the other 4 players are in the key.

WBM5 | 8:20 a.m. July 1, 2009

AGAIN! not breaking news! I hate that DN seems to not know what is breaking news and what is not!

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Utah Jazz: Memo will stay in Utah, too