Deseret News | Reader comments: Utah Jazz keep mum on free agent signings

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Utah Jazz keep mum on free agent signings

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Darren | 1:18 a.m. July 8, 2008

Ben Gordon would be a great pickup for the Jazz. That might help sort out the cluster at two guard that we have. Not sure $ amount on his contract, but it would be interesting to see what kind of package the Jazz would put together to make that work. Just do something already Jazz, you are killing me!

germany's biggest jazz fan | 6:21 a.m. July 8, 2008

Why would the jazz want to trade for Ben Gordon? What the jazz need from their shooting-guard-position right now is (a) lockdown perimeter defense to keep the Kobe Bryants and LeBron James' of the world in check (though Ronnie Brewer has shown engouraging flashes in this area) and a player that can (b) generate points from long range as well as in one-on-one situations. Well, Gordon's potential on defense is limited because of his size, plus he doesn't seem to be all that interested in this facet of the game. On offense he's a streaky shooter who doesn't share the ball and lacks efficiency (43% from the field). Bottom line: I just don't see Gordon as a player that helps you win championships, at least not as long as he considers himself the top players on his team. He really needs to subordinate himself more, if he signs with more talented team than Chicago. I really think we got a bigger, better version of Gordon in the making in sophomore Morris Almond.

Paul from Chicago | 6:21 a.m. July 8, 2008

You really don't want Ben Gordon. No, I mean you REALLY don't want Gordon. He is a streaky shooter on his best day and his bad streaks last a couple or more GAMES at a time. He is petulant and doesn't play defense.

Probably O'Connor's kind of guy.

Comments continue below

Trade Boozer for... | 7:29 a.m. July 8, 2008

a good defender. Let Milsap and the new guyplay that spot. Carlos will be long gone after next year anyway and he dissappears in big games.

Ben Gordon | 7:38 a.m. July 8, 2008

Doesn't matter who is traded for, acquired, or maintained... Utah will not win championships.

rgilbert1953 | 7:41 a.m. July 8, 2008

Surely the Jazz could pay Millsap more than that. He is more productive than at least half of the Jazz players now on the roster.

Hope he is being compensated in some other ways, but you know other teams are watching for a chance to get him.

Berry Injected | 8:02 a.m. July 8, 2008

1 question. Why the he11 is Hart making more money than Millsap per year.

Drop Collins to make a little room for Fez or Kosta. I think Hart should go too. Then we can start actually using some of the younger talent we've picked up. Give Almond a chance, I hope he doesn't end up playing D-League all year long again.

Please | 8:02 a.m. July 8, 2008

No Gordon for the Jazz. Don't think for one minute the Jazz are even contemplating this guy. Why would you want another 2? With Brewer, Korver, Miles, Almond and D-Will and Price at times playing that position why would they even think of it? If anything consider a Booze or A.K. trade that helps the team both defensively and salary wise. Otherwise this team is just fine so stop the stupid suggestions dreamers.

Justin | 8:14 a.m. July 8, 2008

Gilbert, Millsap is making less money because when you're signed as a rookie you never get a very big contract. You have to prove yourself first. The Jazz had a chance to extend his cheap contract and they did. Next year they'll offer him several million per year after his contract is completely gone. Deron Williams currently makes less than a lot of players on the team due to his rookie contract.

Anonymous | 8:30 a.m. July 8, 2008

Jason Hart is worth every penny of his multi-million dollar contract. Have you ever seen this guy sit on the bench? He does it with such dignity and grace. He's really a contributor.

Remember last year when the Jazz were so excited to sign him? I'd barely heard of the guy, and I'm a fairly big NBA fan. That's how I knew it was a mistake. And now they're trying to resign CJ, whom they have banished to the D-league and jerked around. They should have dropped him two years ago. My prediction? He'll be out of the league in three years. Dee Brown is five times the player Miles is, and they sent him packing. I really have to wonder what's going on behind those team doors. But you know it's good stuff, when they land guys like Hart on the team.

I'm going to say something bold now: No one in the league rides the pine quite as well as Jason Hart. He is truly a marvel of bench-warming. I myself couldn't do a better job, and I have a little experience watching from the sidelines.

Pietrus | 8:32 a.m. July 8, 2008

The best Free Agent perimeter defender out there is Michael Pietrus. It's clear we have a log jam at the 2, but he is a terrific defender. He can also hit a three. Just someone to think about.

NO GORDON | 8:46 a.m. July 8, 2008

If they get Gordon they have no chance for anything, they will be worse off because of his attitude and style. He would not fit with the Jazz style and would waste money they need to resign the talented Millsap and co. after this next season is over.

Whats Going On? | 8:51 a.m. July 8, 2008

Whats the hold up signing Koufous? It's a rookie designated amount by the NBA so lets get on with it and get him rolling towards a great Jazz career. I just want the summer over with and the regular season to get underway. I'm totally excited about the upcoming season. Our team is just fine no changes needed. Come on November.

JJ | 8:59 a.m. July 8, 2008

I agree that the Jazz should drop Collins and Hart...except they have contracts and can't just drop them. I guarantee you that the Jazz were hoping that Hart would not excercize his PLAYER option.

For some reason the Jazz continue to say that they like CJ, and that he has the talent to be a very good player, but I don't see why they continue to feel the need to offer him these qualifying contracts. During his chances last year he played very well, even playing at the 3 when AK was hurt. Maybe they should try and slide him there.

Next year I think Boozer opts out of his contract and AK will be a free agent. I think the Jazz should persue both and whichever one signs first is the one that they keep and say goodbye to the other one.

Anonymous | 9:23 a.m. July 8, 2008

Brown better than CJ--no way!! It will be a mistake letting him go. He is a phenomenal athlete. If they can keep him another year before AK goes elsewhere, they should. Harpring is on his last knee and it would be wise to keep Miles around to play the 3.

Anonymous | 9:21 a.m. July 8, 2008

If you can't get Kobe, Michael Redd, Dwayne Wade, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Joe Johnson, Rip Hamilton, Mcgrady, or Manu Ginobli....then Gordan would be a good pick.....but who are you going to trade for him? Jaron Collins, Fresko, Brewer would be a steal.....but doubt Chicago is interested.....Gordon would be a strong addition to our guard line....he is just coming into his 3rd year!

John | 9:29 a.m. July 8, 2008

If they don't get a big man to defend the middle, and watch the other guy's backs, they will forever be out in the first or second round. They have NO one who scares any player, and once the other team gets past the initial defender, its layup city.

Time to start looking through repair shops, for really tall guys who used to play basketball. We need a Mark Eaton type to intimidate, or its just the same old, same old, forever and ever.

Karl do what Karl want to | 9:31 a.m. July 8, 2008

JJ:
Kirilenko is under contract for 3 more years, he will not be a free agent next year when booe could opt out. Hence the burden on the salary cap.

TicketHolder | 9:35 a.m. July 8, 2008

The article title "Utah Jazz keep mum on free agent signings" should tell you that we aren't signing anybody! I love how the media throws bones to the public. Ben Gordon, Corey Magette...... yeah right. We have the MLE to work with, 14 players under contract and nobody we are willing to trade. We have heard it over and over that management isn't going to brake up the nucleus of the team (D-Will, Boozer, AK-47, Okur). Who are we going to trade then? Sure the public screams "trade Hart and Collins". Yet who is going to take them? What do we get in return? The Jazz will let them expire so we can free up the 4.5 million to pay Millsap next year. The only way to gain someone that is going to come in impact the game is give up one of our impact players.

Blockbuster | 9:43 a.m. July 8, 2008

Package Korver, Booz and AK (throw Hart and Collins into the deal for some coupons to Chuck-O-Rama) for some major cap space to be a player in next season's free-agent market. Booz is gone after next season, AK is way too expensive, and Korver is one dimensional. Our future is with D-Will, Millsap, CJ (watch him explode with 30 minutes a game), and one of the big time free-agents available next season. I would be willing to drop out of the playoffs for a season to rebuild that way. Brewer, Koufous, Okur, Almond, Price and others would continue as nice, reasonably priced role players.

BUG | 9:44 a.m. July 8, 2008

As long as Sloan and O'connor are running the show we can forget about taking home the metal. O'connor doesn't do any wheeling and dealing and Sloan doesn't have enough confidence to play the younglings. Only if we could have gotten Dantoni, sloan quit, O'connor fired and we now trade Boozer, Hart, Collins and someone else in the mix. We do those things and you can count on a ring in the next two years! This club has talent, but you can't finish a puzzle without all the pieces! I'm sick of us comming close but not close enough. You would think that LHM would realize by now that there needs to be change. Any here's to you Anonymous for throwing Hart under the bus. Hart doesn't even belong in the D League. Who care how much it costs us to get rid of him.... JUST DO IT!

utahjazz1 | 9:51 a.m. July 8, 2008

blockbuster:
why would we through away a team that got to the western conference finals two years ago. the players the jazz have now is the only team that the jazz have the best chance to win a championship. you might be willing to drop out of the playoffs for a year, but will all the rest of jazz fans be willing to drop out of the playoffs. i read in a article that dwill wants boozer to stay. whatever dwill says, goes.

No jettison this year | 9:59 a.m. July 8, 2008

I remember a couple years ago when the Jazz jettisoned McCloud, Palacio, Devin Brown and I thought that was a great move. I thought O'Connor would do the same this year with Collins and Hart (and maybe an old/broken down Harpring). But no such luck. And I also don't understand the Jazz's determination to draft, no matter who was on or off the draft board, the best 7-footer on the board. To me, a more glaring need than back-up center (we still have Fes remember) is back-up small forward. Harpring is old/broken down and gets eaten alive by longer, more athletic small forwards. Anyway, is anyone else puzzled as to why the Jazz didn't even talk about drafting Donte Green (6-10, athletic small forward)??? I haven't heard anyone bring this point up. Commments????

Anonymous | 10:01 a.m. July 8, 2008

the jazz need to trade carlos boozer, and try to get elton brand to come to utah, it would be a great trade in my opinion

Matt | 10:17 a.m. July 8, 2008

I wish we could trade AK. He's not near the player he was 3 years ago. We need a defensive presence to make up for Boozer and Okur.

ZEKE | 10:19 a.m. July 8, 2008

Probably the reason they are keeping mum is they are not seriously presueing anyone.

Re: Trade Boozer for | 10:19 a.m. July 8, 2008

Why are fans in general so reactionary? Sure, Boozer had a rough playoffs, but the year before--during their ride to the Western Conference Finals--Boozer was arguably the Jazz's most productive player. It's far too early to claim that Boozer "dissappears in big games." He's had one year of playoffs when he was nearly unstoppable, and one year where he seemed a bit lost. I don't think he deserves a "choker" label yet. I hope Boozer does leave Utah after this season. Something tells me after watching an erratic Millsap try to hold down the PF position, it wouldn't take long for Jazz fans to start crying about Boozer's exit.

Anonymous | 10:23 a.m. July 8, 2008

Ben Gordon is NOT going into his 3rd year. He is going into his 5th year. He was taken 3rd overall in the draft the year before the Jazz picked Deron. In 4 years with the bulls he was unable to solidify himself in their starting lineup. Can he shoot? Yes when he is hot. But a 6'3 shooting guard who cant defend, equals subtraction by addition!

The Truth | 10:46 a.m. July 8, 2008

Either Booz or Memo needs to go.....A.K. is locked in for a few more years plus he actually plays defense. It will be interesting watching booz this summer to see if he plays D for the USA???? We can't have two bigs on the court at the same time who don't want to play D!! Maybe after next year kosta or Fess will be ready?????

Moto X | 10:47 a.m. July 8, 2008

Are these comments for real???

"Get Ben Gordon' "Just do something" "AK will be a free agent next year" "drop Collins" "Dee is better than CJ" "why does Hart make more than Millsap?"

The NBA IQ in this discussion is sub 10 points!!!

You people can't really be serious with this stuff????

We don't need Ben Gordon--he doesn't play D and he shoots well about every 3rd game.

There are very few players out there available that can make us better and it is tough to get those because teams ALWAYS overpay freeagents and our salary cap is pretty tight these days.

It is so stupid for people to say just do something. What is the point in that? Trades for the sake of trades?? Ask Dallas how that went for them last season with J. Kidd. Ask PHX (in 1st place at the time of the trade) to out in the 1st round of the playoffs!!

We do need interior defense/shooting guard who can make shots from the outside and defend. Thats it and if we can't find it then we have no choice except to rely on our young players to get better playing together for another year.

You Are Crazy | 11:04 a.m. July 8, 2008

Blockbuster:
The crazy deal that you are suggesting would completely change the way the Jazz play. I also think that team would not do well under Slone. I could not stomach watching the Jazz if they played the way most of the teams in the NBA play. The finals were a joke, 2 teams playing almost no defense or watching the other team run the "I'll get the rebound so I can dribble down the court so I can get a shot off even if I have 3 defenders on me" play. The Celtics finally played team ball and beat the Lakers by 2 million points. I wish the Lakers would have played that way against the Jazz. (But the refs wouldn't let them, but thats a whole 'nother topic!) I said from day 1 that Hart would be a bust. I now think that O'Connor is on a hot streak (except for Hart) and to let him do his thing. One final note, if AK played the way he is capable of playing EVERY night he would be worth the money and the Jazz would have a championship. (Unless Stern told the refs not to let the Jazz win)

JazzFanInHouston | 11:07 a.m. July 8, 2008

The second biggest need is a power center who can also play power forward. Boozer is a top 5 PF. He would do better with a center who had a strong inside game. AK is over paid but still a top 10 at his position and a decent defender. Brewer has improved dramatically and is better than a top 15 player based on efficiency and wp48. There is no need to replace either Brewer or AK.

The biggest need is a stronger bench. The whole bench drops off fast in efficiency and wp48. Both the Lakers and the Celtics had very strong benches and it showed.

The Jazz need to be patient and add the right people as they get the right chances. They do not need to mess with the starting 5 next year.

The Jazz will be somewhat better just because they have continuity and their younger players are improving.

Lo Porto | 11:18 a.m. July 8, 2008

NO, HECK NO TO BEN GORDON

NO TO TRADING BOOZER OR OKUR

YES TO AK TRADE - HAS TO HAPPEN BY EARLY NEXT OFFSEASON TO KEEP DERON, BOOZ, OKUR & MILLSAP.

YES TO BUYING OUT OR TRADING HART AND COLLINS

YES TO PIETRUS - YOUNG, BOWEN-TYPE DEFENSE BUT BETTER OFFENSE

DARKHORSE FREE AGENT - SHAUN LIVINGSTON. TONS OF POTENTIAL, ONLY 23, 6'7" PG, BAD INJURY BUT HUGE STEAL IF HE RETURNS IN SIMILAR FORM MID-SEASON. COULD MAYBE GET HIM AT 3 YEARS, $2 A YEAR (LESS A YEAR THAN HART). GAMBLE, BUT UTAH HAS NEEDED A QUALITY BACKUP PG FOR YEARS...

Deke | 11:50 a.m. July 8, 2008

A good unrestricted free agent for the Jazz would be Dikembe Motumbo. He's a shot blocker, could help with the development of the new bigs, and could provide an excellent 10-15 mins a game of relief for Okur/Boozer while giving the Jazz some help with interior defense.

A better consideration than Gordon anyway. (probably cheaper too).

Re: Matt @10:17 a.m. | 12:00 p.m. July 8, 2008

As soon as we get rid of AK, he will become the franchise player that he is capable of being.... and we will cry huge tears.

For some reason, he doesn't perform to his potential here in Utah. Shucks! He could be the one to push us over the top, but never makes it over the bar.

Mutumbo | 12:08 p.m. July 8, 2008

is way too old to give us anything productive. Besides, he will just sign with Houston if he doesn't retire. I like the Livingston idea, but I think Price will continue to get better and he's not coming off a major injury. Utah needs to focus on getting a solid defender through a trade of some sort.

Grant | 12:19 p.m. July 8, 2008

I like the team, they have good chemestry, I think if the young players continue to develop we could get another 5 wins this year. I think most of the teams that made whole sale changes will be in the Lottery again next year. Stability brings success.

KBJazzFan | 12:24 p.m. July 8, 2008

No to Gordon, please. What a waste that would be. Boozer's gone after next year. He and his family have never liked it here, and he has a home in Miami. Trade him to the Heat for Shawn Marion or somebody. Get SOMETHING for him. Maybe AK would be happy again if Boozer is out. Then do a sign and trade for Maggette so we can stay under the cap. We may have to give up someone like Brewer to get him, but like they say, you have to give up something to get something. Then we could give Almond a shot. I like his game.

Do Motumbo | 12:30 p.m. July 8, 2008

Motumbo is the best idea so far and would be a good Jazz fit.

Gordon?....hmmm. He's just more of what the jazz already don't have.

Anonymous | 12:41 p.m. July 8, 2008

leave the jazz the way they r! ak is doing great. booz is a 20 and ten player whats wrong with that. if we pick up anyone it need to be a leader like fisher was. d will is a stud. now we have a center that will contend shots. jazz are goin back to the wcf!!! go jazz

Lo Porto | 12:45 p.m. July 8, 2008

AK will excel in an up-tempo offense that runs and gives him the opportunity to shoot more. Unfortunately or fortunately (depending on how you look at it for AK or Jazz), Utah will never be that team and AK will never play his best position for us.

So, why is he making max money when we have 2 premier players (Deron & Booz) and one other contributor (Okur) better than him but making less? There is no explanation. So let's trade him for players that are a better fit and address our needs or cap space to be able to sign the guys we like and want to keep (Brewer and Millsap). AK obviously did not solve our terrible perimeter D problem the way he played this postseason.

Playing for third/fourth | 12:58 p.m. July 8, 2008

The Jazz are happy to go to the playoffs. They are happy to come close. They have no interest in going any further.

As long as Sloan and KO are here, the Jazz will never be Champions.

Trade Loozer.

Go Jazz!

Why the hate | 2:13 p.m. July 8, 2008

The Jazz are a great team. So Boozer didn't have a good post season. Get over it. This is essentially a contract year for him, so we can expect to see a higher level of play as he looks for a pay raise. There are very few players in the league that produce as well as he can. Obviously he needs to improve defensively, but everyone on the team does.
Sure, AK is overpaid, but every other team in the league knows that and won't touch his contract. Just because the fans shout 'trade so-and-so' doesn't mean it can happen. AK should be getting about 9-12 mil/year but gets 18, and there's nothing the jazz can do to change that.
Keeping the team in tact gives the greatest flexibility next off season.
The young guys just need more time. If Brewer improves as much this off season as last, we'll have a solid player.
Millsap is not a long term prospect at the PF to replace Boozer. He's too small. I expect him to take more of Harprings minutes. Hopefully we can talk Harpring into a coaching spot and keep him in Utah.

magnus | 2:45 p.m. July 8, 2008

@ JazzfaninHouston

Boozer would not be better without Okur. Okur is perfect for Boozers game because he draws his man out of the paint and spreads the defence. Unfortunately teams have figured out that Boozer is not a good passer and are colapsing on him anyways.

Crazy Ideas of the Day:

#1 Kwame Brown, I know I know but just hear me out here... He is big, athletic and has decent skills, he would be an upgrade over Collins and the Jazz can get him for next to nothing. The Jazz need immediate help while they develop the young guys so just set him up with a one or two year deal and sign and trade him for Collins.

#2 Mickael Pietrius, I think Pietrius would be a great addition, he is a better man to man defender than any of our perimeter players and he can play both SF and SG. I say go hard after him, up to the full mid-level exception then let CJ go and buy out Hart, or do a sign and trade with Hart and CJ.

You have to remember that Hart and Collins have trade value because of their expiring contracts.

Millsap too small? | 2:54 p.m. July 8, 2008

How is Millsap too small these days for the PF? Boozer is listed at 6' 10, he isn't. Beasley was taken at 2 in the draft as a PF, he measures 6' 8. Millsap has a large wingspan, blocks better than Boozer could without a magic potion and plays like he's 6' 11. Millsap's desire makes him a perfect starter. He believes in his abilities and I am a believer that he could take the PF position handily. There are not that many centers in the league that measure 7', and the ones that are don't have the muscle mass to use it. Most teams don't have a center or PF that play above 6' 11.

JazzFanInHouston | 3:03 p.m. July 8, 2008

A younger version of Motumbo could be very helpful at back up center. However, Motumbo likes Houston and can not also play back up PF. Motumbo also talks about retiring every year.

RE: Millsap too small? | 3:05 p.m. July 8, 2008

I've heard that describing PM as 6'9" is being extremely generous and that he is more like 6'7" in bare feet. His desire and competitiveness do help him compete above his size, but I'm not sure he's cut to be a starter at PF unless he's playing with a small lineup.

HELLO??? | 3:10 p.m. July 8, 2008

Jazz need to get rid of Hart he is way overpaid and we do not need to pay a 3rd string PG near that much money. Second Jazz need to trade Collins and do a sign and trade with C.J. and either Korver or Brewer and pick up Pietrus or Maggette we have too many strong players in that position and that is not needed. Korver and Brewer should not be starters they would be effective backup guards if we can get Maggette keep Brewer trade Korver if we get Pietrus keep Korver trade Brewer that makes the Jazz a very deep squad

KronicWA | 3:15 p.m. July 8, 2008

Ben Gordan would be a HORRIBlE pick up for the jazz. We dont need ME, ME, ME type players. We need team players.

dj hoop | 3:22 p.m. July 8, 2008

trade boozer and ronnie brewer for rasheed wallace and richard hamilton if it fits under the salary cap..rasheed has one year left on his contract and plays defense and if it doesnt workout you can trade him at the trade deadline and free up money for the 2010 big free agency period..rip is a keeper and would be nice next to deron williams when deron drive the lanes and kickout to a great spot up shooter whose not 6'10 or bigger (i.e. memo okur) and should be posting up and playing defense..hint hint big men!!

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