Comments about ‘Utah Jazz: Harpring to meet to decide future’

I sure wish someone would do some digging and find out and report what really are Harpring's and the Jazz's options - can he retire but the Jazz get some kind of compensation from the league? can he do what Yao and the Rockets did? are there any teams with too many players realistically willing to trade for Harpring (and with someone we need/want) and then not ask him to play? I'm sure there are more possible scenarios, but what are they?

retire the best thing for him and his team mates

I would totally trust Matt to do the right thing for all concerned. If he works with "Locke" maybe I will open my ear and listen.

Expect a retirement and maybe we can free some salary.

Matt thank you for giving us great years, the criticism you are getting does is so unfair,

Matt is a class act. We have been lucky to have him. It's refreshing to have a player with character.

Matt always has played and behaved with class... I expect he will do the same now. I will miss watching a healthy Matt Harpering. I hope the Jazz keep him involved in some capacity.

but it's probably best that he retires before the season. His nagging injuries aren't going to go away and if he plays it's only because he will play through them. His time in Utah has been well spent and hopefully there is something else he can do within the organization after he does stop playing.

They better keep him for a piece in a Boozer trade.

C'mon. Over six million dollars? Nobody in their right mind would retire. He does not even have to play, if he says he is hurt. He should take the money, just like anyone on this thread would.

I thought that when Matt signed this last deal the final year had performance clauses to obtain the full $6.5 million.

If he can't go it will be a blow to our toughness. The Jazz are a soft bunch and Matt was the spark that would dig in and not back down. I still remember Matt going toe to toe with Artest and in that game Artest, still with the Kings, got tossed.

CJ does not have it and AK is a finesse player. Korver tries but his athleticism is not the same. I really think Sloan needs to play Ronnie Brewer at the 3 instead of the 2. That may be the best hope.

The performance clause on his contract sounds familiar, but I also remember reading somewhere that since he played in the playoffs last year, his salary won't come off the books if he retires. Kind of like the Shareef Abdur-Rahim situation in Sacramento. He only played in six games in the 07-08 season then retired, but the Kings have been stuck with his salary for the past couple of years. This is actually the last year in his deal, which is for $6.6 million.

Because he played in the playoffs, his salary number remains on the books, but I think if he is bought out that it open a roster spot and reduces the luxury tax.
If he can be traded to a team with cap space and a second round draft pick plus money, that team can use the money to buy him out and his salary comes off the books completely.
Jazzaholic

He could still be part of a deal with a team that wants him for his expiring contract even if it was understood he would not be playing.

Matt is a loyal Jazz man and I would love to see him come back in some capacity, as a coach or TV commentator.

You certainly don't speak for others on this thread. Thankfully, you also don't speak for Matt. I imagine he wants to play, but he is one of the classiest people to ever wear a Jazz uniform, joining great character players like John Stockton and Jeff Hornacek. He would never say, "I am hurt," but you owe me the money.

Boozer could learn a lot from Matt: Character, intelligence, hustle, desire, and a team-first attitude.

If Harp retires the Jazz can't expect any salary cap relief. The way I heard it explained is the only way we could get relief is if he cannot physically perform, and because he played the last several games with the same injuries he is dealing with now, the league views it as these current issues can't force him to retire since he has already proved he can play with them.
That is what makes it differant than the Yao situation since Yao is still out from the same injury and it remains to be seen if he will be ever be able to play again.
Hope that helps at all. It is as hard to explain as it is to understand I'm sure.

I wish you the best in whatever you decide to do Matt. You have been a pleasure to watch and an inspiration because of your work ethic and dedication.

Good luck to you!

You are a warrior and the only one who I tell my players to mimic. I hope I never have to see your name on another team's jersey.

I have never seen a player with so much passion who played his heart out everyday with all he could. I hope you stay if for no other reason to have your work ethic spread to some other players you're a true player and tough as nails.

I always liked Matt!He played hard he played tough!And if people can remember early on in his career he was atheletic and explosive!I really appreciate what Matt has brought and meant to the Jazz!A class act all the way!If Boozer played with Matts passion and heart he would be the best power forward in the west!Oh well i guess that is just wishful thinking!

Keeoing Matt on with the Jazz is a great idea. If btradcasting is something he really wants to do.
Maybe Pace will be shown the door and insert Matt.

Matt was a stud. I remember when i was living in utah, after the days of stock to malone. who would take over, was a huge question in my mind? Matt H played his guts out--- day in, and day out, and has been the glue that kept this bunch together for most of the time...

go Matt... good luck with what ever you decide...