Deseret News | Utah Jazz sign Koufos, work on deal for Williams

Reader comments
Utah Jazz sign Koufos, work on deal for Williams

Tyler | 6:35 a.m. July 11, 2008

keep williams of course thats a no brainer trade hart and collins let cj miles walk away to another ream and match the offer to dee brown and make him the 3 pg behind williams and price have booz at pf millsap behind him tomic behind millsap okur at the center fesenko behind okur and koufos behind fesenko brewer at the sg than alomnd behind brewer and pirce behind almond kirilenko at the sf than korver behind him and harpring behind him send dragicevic back to europe for a couple of years

Great Athletes | 7:47 a.m. July 11, 2008

D-Will, no matter who you play with, you will make them a better player, that is what great athletes do. If you loose Booz, you should have enough confidence that you will make whomever you play with great. Michael had Pippen, but would that have even mattered, look what happened after Jordan left... Seriously, sign on for the long haul for a team/franchise/city/state/and fans who will support you through thick or thin (hopefully translating to wins :) and get to work...

Oh, bring home the Gold!!

Last thing and this is for the Cougs...GO UTES!

Carly | 8:10 a.m. July 11, 2008

You don't have to check back on Dee Brown. He just signed an offer sheet with the Wizards.

Comments continue below

ZEKE | 8:31 a.m. July 11, 2008

Hopefully the Jazz get Deron signed as son as possible. I can see where he is coming from as far as trying to keep a good team in place. Hopefully Fez and Koufos can develope into a defencive precence in the middle.

Trade Boozer now | 8:39 a.m. July 11, 2008

while you can get something for him. He is counting down the days 'till he can get out of here. He desires brighter lights and a bigger stage, but doesn't want to work for it.

Quick to turn... | 8:46 a.m. July 11, 2008

@ Great Athlete:

Fans who support you through thick or thin? Hope you didn't jump on the trade Booz train. Many Jazz fans didn't and don't support him. Face it, the fans are very fickle.

Trade AK to solve problem | 8:47 a.m. July 11, 2008

I have thought about this and the only way that the Jazz will succeed and stay competitive while keeping key players is to get rid of AK's contract, 50 million over three years is a lot that could go to locking up Booz/Memo and the rest of the guys while still having money left over to get some others. They would need to take a bad contract for a year to do this, but if you could get the Knicks or some other team to take him more power to the Jazz and winning

JazzFanInHouston | 8:49 a.m. July 11, 2008

The key question in all of this is "what happens to the ownership of the Jazz" if something happens to Larry Miller? Is there any transition structure in place? Will there be a mess like the one at Atlanta, OKC or with the Cleveland Browns? Who will be the new owners and will they be committed to winning (or even staying in SLC)? Maybe Miller should create a structure similar to the one in Greenbay?

The Jazz will be pushing the luxury tax in a year or two. Both LA and Boston were in the luxury tax. That is what it takes to win at this time. It is no guarantee as NY, Dallas and Denver indicate but you have to be both "smart" and spend to win. So far in free agency SA is stronger, NO is stronger, Houston maybe stronger, LA may be a little weaker but won't stay that way.

D Will deserves a contract just a little bit better than C Paul's. The Jazz have to be very careful about not over paying as they have in the past with AK as the lux tax will bite them hard later.

Jazzman | 8:49 a.m. July 11, 2008

The Jazz are looking like they could be a completely different team in a year and a half. They need to dump Andre', keep booz and bring in a solid three like a Pippen. If they haven't put themselves in the finals after the three year extension that Williams will probably sign I'm afaid that Williams will move to a different team.

Not sure | 9:32 a.m. July 11, 2008

So why are the Jazz willing to pay koufos more money then they are paying paul milsap who has proved himself already? Makes no sense to me.

Re: Not sure | 9:45 a.m. July 11, 2008

Because Millsap was a second round draft pick when the Jazz gave him a contract. They're required to pay Koufos more as a first round pick. There is no doubt when Paul's contract is over he'll be making several million per year and much more than Koufos.

RE: Not sure | 9:50 a.m. July 11, 2008

The terms of rookie contracts are dictated by where a person is drafted. Milsap is in his third year of his rookie contract based on his draft slot of 47th. This was a 2-year contract with a 3rd year team option, which the Jazz obviously picked up; probably the best bargain in the NBA. Koufos was drafted 23rd.

Jazz fans? | 9:51 a.m. July 11, 2008

People keep on saying, bring in someone like Pippen and Trade AK. First of all, you cant just bring in someone like Pippen who was voted to NBA all century team. Pippen was a great player playing with the best player of all time. Also there are only a team or two who would be able to afford AK's contract. The only 2 teams I can think of are the Clippers and Memphis and I dont see either of those teams taking AK off our hands. The Jazz needed to trade for Ray Allen when he was with Seattle. He is a very good defender and has the best outside shot in the NBA. Oh well, The Celtics got him.

It's because | 10:09 a.m. July 11, 2008

Koufos was drafted in the 1st round and Millsap was a 2nd rounder.

draft pick | 10:15 a.m. July 11, 2008

@ Not sure:

The salary difference between Koufos and Millsap is likely all dictated by place in the draft. Koufos was a first-rounder, albeit a low first-round pick. Millsap was a second-round pick and the contract he's got right now was the one negotiated before his rookie season. He wasn't a proven commodity at that point. Obviously Koufos isn't either, but so much is dictated in these rookie contracts by where you're drafted. Also, and this may or may not have any impact, but Koufos may have been able to bargain a bit with the fact that he was willing to go play in Greece for a multi-million dollar contract. Hopefully the Jazz will have enough cap space to give Millsap the money he deserves next year. Trading AK would help, if someone will take on that contract.

Trade Proposal | 10:37 a.m. July 11, 2008

First of all, I am one who really likes Boozer because he is a top5 PF, a great low-post offensive player and if we lost him, that would hurt. But also understanding he has a home in Miami and the lower altitude is better for his child's health, and he is likely to opt out and cost too much money to sign, I would suggest a Sign-and-Trade deal with Charlotte for Restricted Free-Agent Emeka Okafor. Okafor is a double-double guy who is a decent scorer and a very good post defensive player and he should come in around the same amount Boozer was getting paid the past few years. There are injury concerns, but I like the possibilities with this trade.

Nosey | 10:52 a.m. July 11, 2008

How much did they sign Koufos' nose for?

dee | 11:21 a.m. July 11, 2008

what is the amount they are paying millsap? who is worth a bunch !

Yo? | 11:24 a.m. July 11, 2008

To everyone:

Is the Emeka Okafor trade really possible as described above? I would trade Booz for Okafor in an instant. I love Booz, but if he gonna leave let's get something for him. I hope he stays, but why all the talk if there ain't nothing there?

JazzFanInHouston | 11:30 a.m. July 11, 2008

Adjusted for 48 minutes Fes gets just as many rebounds as Booz. He also blocks shots. However, Fes only gets 1/4 of the points. I wonder if Koufos can play PF? He has an outside shot and was a guard and maybe can dribble a little.

Booz is a top 5 PF (not perfect) but very hard to replace and expensive to resign. Can the Jazz get enough extra points from SF and SG if Booz is replaced by someone who only gets 10 points from PF?

The Clips are renouncing a bunch of contracts for cap purposes. Appearently they are then going to try to resign them at a lower rate. Can the Jazz do that with AK's (or other's) contract if they have trouble with the cap or as a re-signing move for Booz etc?

Someone who understands those rules please explain.

Booz, Collins for Okafor.... | 11:40 a.m. July 11, 2008

I agree 100% with "Trade Proposal" The Jazz need to trade Boozer NOW, before he opts out next season and goes to Miami.

We should do a sign-and-trade with Charlotte:

Jazz Get: Okafor and Adam Morrison

Bobcats get: Boozer and Collins

That way we get our defensive big man who rebounds and blocks shots...

We would also get Morrison who is a younger version of a Matt Harpring, but is a much better shooter...obviously not as tough and scrappy as Harp, but would fit well in the Jazz' system.

BJ JAZZY RASTA

Fellow FansYour thoughts...?

Johny Fairplay | 12:25 p.m. July 11, 2008

What about Booz or AK for Kaman and whoever else the Clippers would need to throw in to match salaries? In addition to Miami, doesn't Booz own a house in LA?

Granted, Kaman was injured for part of last season, but AK is fragile and overpaid and Booz has had injury issues as well.

Dee Brown | 12:23 p.m. July 11, 2008

Is Dee Brown really gone then? I really would have liked to see him back with the Jazz. We are really lacking in the back-up pt guard position. He's got tons of energy, and is one of the faster guards out there.

To many unknowns | 12:34 p.m. July 11, 2008

This is where we get hurt with the Sloan end of year debate to return or not return. Who drives the ship when Jerry is gone? What happens to Boozer next season? (and the others that may opt out) WHAT HAPPENS WITH THE JAZZ IF SOMETHING HAPPENS TO LARRY??? These are all valid questions that williams has. Ink him to a shorter deal (similar to CP III), answer these questions immediately and then look for the long term!!!

? ??Dee Brown | 12:46 p.m. July 11, 2008

Huh???, Dee Brown is nowhere near as good as Ronnie Price. We do not need another backup point guard, with the bad contract we gave Hart last year making him our 3rd PG this year.

RE:Booz, Collins for Okafor.... | 1:38 p.m. July 11, 2008

I'm sorry but that trade would never happen, Morrison is turning into a solid player and Okafor is great, but they are young and I wouldn't see Okafor as a Jazz, Morrison however would fit in nice, but this would be highly unlikely 1. for salary, 2. Production levels, 3. Jazz will not trade Boozer, and if they do, it wont be until after Williams is signed in

CougarRebel | 1:45 p.m. July 11, 2008

No way, no how does Charlotte trade Okafor and Morrison for Boozer and Collins. That would be about as smart as Memphis and unfortunately teams that dumb are few and far between.

To Jazzfaninhouston | 2:06 p.m. July 11, 2008

I don't know if anyone already mentioned this, but Larry Miller has a son who will in all likelihood take over the buisness once he's incapable of running things. I don't think ownership will be an issue, at least how things are now.

JazzFanInHouston | 2:16 p.m. July 11, 2008

The Booz Boo Birds need to realize that Boozer and Okur could be more aggressive on defense if they had stronger back ups. Booz and Okur would not have to worry as much about picking up fouls.

Further, if the perimeter defense were better the interior defense would be better. Boozer's defense or lack is partly a team phenomena.

Booz got us deep into the playoffs the last 2 years. The Jazz could be the 5th best team in the NBA. The answer to improvement is to keep the core and add strength to the bench.

Here is hoping Koufos develops into the next Tim Duncan.

RE: Nosey | 2:28 p.m. July 11, 2008

Loved it!!! Just sitting in my office laughing! People walk by and don't understand what's so funny...that was a great comment.

TicketHolder | 2:59 p.m. July 11, 2008

Let's face it the Jazz don't have the money to obtain a player that will have an impact on the teams play and alter the balance of power in the West. K O'C has made some awful moves and has relegated the team to mediocracy. The Jazz are content because the majority of the fans are. Every other week I receive a survey from the Jazz office trying to ascertain the fans perspective of the team. It specifically asks if you think the team is heading in the right direction. I have to say NO. We lack defense, toughness and the mentality to win on the road. We have a gluttony of overpaid players that aren't worth the paper the check is written on. Outside of D-Will and Millsap I would welcome any and all trades.

magnus | 3:32 p.m. July 11, 2008

I have to admit at first I thought teh Boozer/Okafor trade was stupid but the more ?I think about it the more it sounds like a birilliant win/win proposal. Much props for coming up with that.

Brabbit | 5:28 p.m. July 11, 2008

I thought Dee was somehow restricted we can match the offer to him at any point in the next 6 days nice move by the Jazz to keep him restricted if that is the case.

Twin Towers??? | 6:40 p.m. July 11, 2008

Can't wait to see "Koufus the Dufus" and "Fez the Pez" dominate at the Rocky Mountain Revue as the Utah version of the Twin Towers!! I hope these long boys can do something--it could be the solution to our interior defensive woes.

You crazy people act like the Jazz can just "dump" AK. You forget, if we don't want him for $50 million why do you think the Jazz can trade him? Quit suggesting such ridiculous "genius" ideas. Ya, we all know he is over paid--so does everyone else in the league and nobody will want that albatross of a contract until the final year to clear cap space--just like it will for us. Duh!

Adam Morrison can't shoot and Okafor is/will be overpaid for his performance. I'll take what we have thankyou. People always think the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence--its not. Despite all our problems we are still one of the top 4 teams in the league and we will be better next season. Why you ask? Simple--Boozer will be playing for his next contract. He plays lousy it costs him money. He loafs on defense, it costs him money. He'll try.

Dapper2k | 7:27 p.m. July 11, 2008

Teams don't trade good big men unless they're damaged in some way. There's no way they would accpet Boozer for Okafor. First because what's in it for them? Do they think Boozer is a better player? They see his defense as well as we do.

Second everyone knows he's got an opt out clause next season, why would anyone trade anything of value for only one year of gaurenteed service?

The Jazz's only real option is to keep Boozer and hope he will resign here knowing that they can pay him more than any other team, if they are willing.

As for Dee Brown...great guy not so great player. For all of you DB lovers out there I'm not sure if you remember but it took him months to make his first shot in the NBA, matter o fact he didn't even score a basket in the first calendar year he played, Oct, Nov, Dec.

K'Oconner has done a great job assembling a competative team taking less time to rebuild then almost any other franchise except the spurs w/ Duncan. He should have recieved GM of the year when he picked up Booz and Okur. I would break_up_the_nucleous_until_after_they've_hit_their_collective_primes_and_just_tinker_with_the_perifials.

What?! | 7:47 p.m. July 11, 2008

Why is everyone saying that we should trade AK? He's our best defender and Hornacek helped fix his shot. I say keep him. He's our intangibles player. But once his contract is done he will have to take a pay cut. He's not the go-to-guy anymore since Booze and Memo got here.

because | 8:43 p.m. July 11, 2008

Trade ak to suns he would light up the stat sheets better than marion playing with suns. That would be fun to watch.

Just a thought | 10:14 p.m. July 11, 2008

Before Boozer who played power forward? Okur, result 17+ and 8 rebounds, Before Okur? Ak 16.9 and 7+ rebounds, an an all star, before AK, Malone 25+ 9+ rebounds. Seems like the system is a lot to do with these offensive stats.

Check out how the opposing player stacks up against Booze in games, it is always a career night. Let Booze go, improve the defense with Milsap and AK at the PF(not to mention AK's attitude improvement) and find a real 3. Solves the salary cap issue, improves the team's defense and they probably get about the same results in the playoffs. Which is they will lose when they go up against real max players, instead of those just being paid the max amount.

magnus | 11:03 p.m. July 11, 2008

Let me tell you why I think the Boozer-Okafor trade would be win-win.

#1 It helps both teams biggest weakness without seriously affecting their strengths. Utah needs someone who can defend in the paint, Charolette desperately needs an offensive weapon. Boozer would give Charollete a 20+ point per night PF, they would lose some interior Defense but they have a defensive minded center and Gerald Wallace coming from the backside. Okafor would give the Jazz a defensive presense inside, they would lose some offensive production but Williams, AK, and Okur are more than capable of making up 8 points a game.

#2 Money, Charolette has it Utah doesn't. After next year Boozer will be a Max (or very near Max) Money player and Okafor won't be. 3-4 Million may not sound like much but when you are over the Luxury tax line 3-4 Million becomes 6-8 Million.

#3 Both teams get something when they could otherwise be looking at losing a major contributor and getting nothing in return, like the Clippers.

I like Boozer but I think if we just let him walk we are going to have a difficult time replacing him because of our salary cap situation.

Ing | 1:20 a.m. July 12, 2008

I like Boozer, and usually mock the crack-brained calls to trade him, but trading for Okafor does seem to make sense. Probably it'll never happen, but the idea has some merit. Interesting to think about, anyway.

What I also think is interesting is that the Jazz had a chance to draft Boozer, but passed it up for...I don't remember who, but it wasn't anybody nearly as good. The draft is a hit and miss proposition for everybody; even Cleveland passed on Booz until the second round, if I remember right.

As for the Dee Brown situation, I believe that if the Jazz want him, he's still theirs--I read that he's a restricted free agent, so the team would only have to match the Wizards' offer if they want to re-sign him. If there was a way to get him on the roster and Hart off, I'd say go for it. Hart hasn't done anything and isn't likely to be any better than Brown==Dee has nowhere to go but up, and probably will develop into a very good relief/change-of-pace type player at the point. If the Jazz don't keep him, at some point they'll wish they had.

Reality | 8:25 a.m. July 12, 2008

Boozer is not going anywhere after next year. He is not that stupid. He is playing with one of the best point guards in the league. Deron makes him look really good. You haters leave the team alone. All we need is one good big guy. Utahns are doom and gloom. Get a life.

page | 8:51 a.m. July 12, 2008

the problem is boozer can opt out next year so you trade him to a team that might have him for only one year. I would trade him for Okafor but then they lose him to the jazz and booz opts out they have nothing for the trade except booz for one year.

dapper2k | 9:27 a.m. July 12, 2008

The Jazz can't get rid of Hart or pick up Brown w/o a trade. This means they won't/aren't able to, pick up Brown.

I do like the Okafor trade for Booz and would make that one in a heart beat. I think his scoring would go up in Sloan's system and his rebounding has always been strong.

His only downside is Free Throw shooting, he sucks at it.

adam d | 1:04 p.m. July 12, 2008

Boozer for Okafor!!!

Get on Jazz Brass!!!

Doucheku | 11:11 p.m. July 13, 2008

Trade everyone (including Sloan) except for: WILLIAMS, MILLSAP, KIRILENKO AND BREWER.

Let Williams pick the rest of the team including coaches.

GO JAZZ!!

no assistance coaches? | 12:18 p.m. July 15, 2008

sign Koufus and get rid an assistance coach to make up for $$$$ loss.

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