Raja Bell was released by the Utah Jazz, but it comes with a tough lesson for the 36-year-old veteran. CBS Sports reported on March 10 that, while the Jazz released him in time to get picked up by another NBA team, they waited until the point where he can't play in the postseason this year.
The deadline to for playoff eligibility was March 1, but because Utah waited until now, any team that picks him up can use him until the regular season ends, but won't be able to add him to their postseason rosters. It seems like a vindictive move towards a player who has been a disruptive force in Utah.
Bell has clashed with head coach Tyrone Corbin, calling him unprofessional on one occasion. Because of his poor relationship with the organization, Utah has not used him since the last game of the 2011-12 season. Now, it is Utah who got the last laugh. They will pay out the remainder of Bell's $3.4 million contract this season, but he won't find many suitors for his services since he won't be able to help anyone in the postseason.
The Los Angeles Lakers were one team that had interest, but without a postseason hand, the fact that Raja Bell was released so late pretty much ends any interest most teams have in the player.
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