After a disappointing conclusion to the 2008-09 season, the Utah Jazz enter into what will likely be an adventurous off-season. The Jazz have two restricted and four unrestricted free agents, with three other players holding some form of player option. Assuming the three players who hold options decide to exercise them, the Jazz organization will be forced to make decision regarding nine of their players this summer.
The focus of this article is to lay the foundation for future Utah Jazz discussions pertaining to free agent speculation, rumors and actual player movement. A brief discussion is presented for each of Utah’s nine possible free agents. Also included are links to a Utah Jazz salary chart and five separate links identifying the top NBA free agents for each position.
Utah Jazz Free Agents Bios
PF - Carlos Boozer
If recent reports are true, it seems like both Boozer and the Jazz are waiting for the other to make the first move. Ultimately, Carlos Boozer has the final decision on whether or not to opt into the final year of his contract, estimated at 12.6 million. He seems more interested in an extension and long term financial security than next season's salary, so the real question is: Can he get what he wants from the Jazz, and if not, will any other team make a move for the former All-Star forward?
Given the posturing, it seems unlikely the Jazz will offer Boozer an extension in his price range prior to the June 30th player option deadline. If the Jazz and Boozer are not in the same financial ball park, expect Boozer to decline his 2009-10 player option. With the current economic problems in the NBA this would be the worst case scenario for both sides. Currently, only three teams can sign Boozer outright to the type of money he’s looking for without involving a sight-and-trade scenario. Of those teams, only the Pistons have shown interest in Boozer. So where does that leave this situation?
The Jazz and Pistons are the front-runners at this point, but if both teams decide to pass on locking up Boozer long-term, expect a sign-and-trade transaction. The trade could come as early as draft night, but July or August seem more likely. If a sign-and-trade does take place, look for Boozer and his agent to have some influence over where Boozer plays next season. The Miami Heat and New Jersey Nets are two teams that Boozer's indicated as potential suitors.
Foreshadowing? Utah Jazz forward Carlos Boozer sits along side Miami Heat's Dwayne Wade during Game 4 of the NBA basketball finals Thursday, June 11, 2009, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
PF - Paul Millsap
If the off-season wasn't complex enough, this is where it could get really interesting. The Jazz will want to get Carlos Boozer's situation figured out early, because if it drags on, they may have to overpay to keep Millsap. There is no disputing Millsap's value as a player. His 36 minute totals and his split statistics as a starter indicate that he’s likely to average double figures in both points and rebounds if given starter minutes. If Detroit or a team with cap space offers a contract in the seven to nine million dollar range, would the Jazz be prudent to let him go?
Millsap is a tenacious rebounder and can score around the basket, but is he capable of succeeding if plays are consistently called for him? Essentially, is he skilled enough to be the focal point of the Jazz offensive attack?
Those are questions better left to the Jazz front office, but they are valid concerns nevertheless. Obviously, the uncertainty surrounding Boozer's situation only adds to the complexity of Millsap's free agent status. The Jazz can not afford to lose both Boozer and Millsap without receiving a starting caliber post player in return. Transversely, it would be financially crippling for the franchise to sign both Boozer and Millsap to lucrative long-term contracts. When the smoke clears expect either Boozer or Millsap to dawn a different uniform next year.
2009 Top 10 NBA free agent power forwards
C - Mehmet Okur
Okur's free agent status adds another element of complexity to the already tumultuous situation at power forward. While Okur's offensive skill-set provides space for both Boozer and Millsap to work the low post on offense, his defense leaves much to be desired.
If Okur decides to exercise his Early Termination Option, the Jazz will need to either re-sign Okur to an extension or work diligently to obtain a suitable replacement. Unfortunately, this is a terrible year to fill a need at center. If Okur decides to test the free agent waters, he will certainly be the most talented center on the market. So why not offer him an extension to keep him in Utah?
The smart money right now is on Okur returning, but the Jazz may have a set spending limit for Okur. The organization knows what Mehmet brings to the table, and conversely is aware of his short comings. If another team is willing to sign Okur to a contract exceeding the budgeted amount set aside by Greg Miller and Kevin O'Connor it's realistic to think the Jazz could let him walk.
2009 Top 10 NBA free agent centers
SF - Kyle Korver
Kyle Korver is a valuable player, but he's even more impressive off the court with his community service and charitable causes. However, it sounds like he's looking for a long-term commitment and will likely exercise his Early Termination Option. If he opts out of his existing contract, the Jazz will not have the financial flexibility to offer Korver a contract comparable to what he would receive through free agency.
Korver’s potential exodus this season could start a trend at the small forward position. Matt Harpring is a free agent next season and Andrei Kirilenko will hit the free agent market the year after. Although the power forward position is currently in flux this is where the Jazz should be focusing their attention on draft night. But what about addressing the possible holes at power forward and center?
If the Jazz owned a pick inside the top ten, it would make sense to pursue a premier power forward prospect. However, at pick 20, the Jazz will be better off adding youth, energy and depth on the wing because there will be talented small forwards on the draft board late into the first round.
2009 Top 10 NBA free agent small forwards
C - Kyrylo Fesenko
Fesenko has only played in 30 NBA games in two seasons, but his size, athleticism and potential make him valuable. It also doesn't hurt that he'll come cheap. The Jazz had until June 15th to decide whether or not to exercise Fesenko's $870,000 option for the 2009-10 season. The Salt Lake Tribune is reporting the Jazz announced Friday that they picked up the option, bringing Fesenko back next season. Salt Lake Tribune
The Jazz made the correct decision by exercising the team option. Even if Fesenko doesn't fit into Utah's plans, he has value around the league and could very well be included in a multi-player trade.
SG - Morris Almond
Almond continues to impress against Developmental League caliber talent, but has yet to find his scoring touch in the NBA. He’s still young and it’s too early to give up on him given his production with the Utah Flash.
Regardless of how the high priced free agents play out this off-season, the Jazz will be up against the salary cap before addressing the back-up off guard position. This is a position that will be filled by a veteran journeyman, young D-League player or an undrafted free agent.
Furthermore, it's time to move CJ Miles back to the bench and give him the majority of reserve minutes behind Ronnie Brewer. If nothing else, the experiment of starting him at small forward proved he's not quite ready for a starting gig. Assuming all of this, plus factoring in Morris Almond's Developmental League statistics and his age, it appears likely that he'll be back with the Jazz next season.
2009 Top 10 NBA free agent shooting guards
PG - Ronnie Price
Price is a nice change of pace player and an excellent option off the bench given the right circumstances. He still struggles at times running the offense, but his speed and quickness make him a valuable commodity. It would be difficult to foresee the Jazz using their first round pick on a back-up point guard when the front court has gaping holes.
Scenario one, Price comes back primarily because of his familiarity with the system and Jerry Sloan.
Scenario two, he'll play elsewhere because the Jazz drafted a point guard in the second round that can do what Price does for less money. In either case, expect the Jazz to acquire a veteran free agent to serve as the primary back-up to Deron Williams.
PG - Brevin Knight
Knight will be 34 years old less than two weeks into the 2009-10 season and will carry a higher price tag than fellow free agent point guard Ronnie Price. His age and salary combined with limited production make it difficult to envision him in a Jazz uniform next season.
Knight has made a living in the NBA with controlled play and proper distribution of the basketball, especially when the pace of play slows down. Throughout his career, he has possessed a favorable assist-to-turnover ratio, but he may be one of the worst perimeter shooting point guards in the NBA. While a portion of the Jazz offense fits his style of play, he's not effective in pick-n-roll scenarios. Expect Brevin Knight to play elsewhere next season.
2009 Top 10 NBA free agent point guards
C- Jarron Collins
The Collins twins, Jarron and Jason, both hit the free agent market this summer and neither will draw much interest from the Utah Jazz. Jarron Collins performed adequately as a back-up center, but never developed into a player worthy of major minutes. He's played his entire eight year career in Salt Lake City and recorded career highs in rebounds (4.2) and points (6.4) during his rookie season. At 6'11" and 250 pounds, he's a big body that should find a home with another NBA team next season.
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