Boozer and Korver return, Okur unlikely

June 30, 6:19 PMUtah Jazz ExaminerJeff Lockard

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Decision day for Utah’s high profile free agents is finally here. Kyle Korver announced Monday that he would not exercise his Early Termination Option, and will return to Utah for the 2009-10 season. Carlos Boozer announced today that he will also be returning to the Jazz next season, leaving only Mehmet Okur's future undecided.

Carlos Boozer assured everyone last December that he would opt out of his existing deal and foregoing the 12.6 million dollars owed to him in the upcoming season. His announcement today does not indicate an unwavering commitment to the Jazz organization, but rather shows the unwillingness of teams to spend money this summer.

Boozer is coming off of an injury plagued season and teams with free agent money to spend seem more interested in this year’s crop of young power forwards. Detroit, Memphis and Oklahoma City were the only teams far enough under the cap to offer Boozer the kind of money that he and his agent believe he's worth. Memphis and Oklahoma City had expressed no interest in Boozer, leaving Detroit as his sole free agent suitor. Detroit was interested, but they also had interest in several other unrestricted free agents. Had Boozer opted out of his current deal and Detroit went a different direction, Boozer could have sustained a significant pay cut.

His decision to stay in Utah doesn’t necessarily mean he won’t be moved in a sign-and-trade deal this summer or before next season’s trade deadline. The good news for Jazz fans is that Boozer will have extra motivation to perform next season since he’ll be playing for a new contract.

Mehmet Okur unlike Boozer and Korver seems intent on testing the free agent waters. Okur believes he’s a top 10 ten center in the league. Offensively he his, but he’s a defensive liability. If the current reports are true and Okur decides to terminate the final year of his contract he will not be back in Utah next season.

The Jazz made their qualifying offer to Paul Millsap making him a restricted free agent. Utah has the opportunity to match any deal offered through free agency; but how much are the Jazz willing to spend? Utah’s front office made it clear they are willing to flirt with the luxury tax threshold if it meant bringing key players back. Kevin O’Connor indicated that the Jazz will be proactive with Paul Millsap, trying to lock him up before other teams throw money his direction. It’s the smart move, but with the rumors circulating out of Oklahoma City, it would be tough to imagine Millsap re-signing before at least listening to the Thunder’s offer. Oklahoma City’s offer is rumored to be in the ballpark of 5 years for $65 million. If that report is accurate, it’s difficult to believe that the Jazz will match Oklahoma City’s offer.

The remaining four free agents on Utah’s roster are all unrestricted. Ronnie Price, Morris Almond, Brevin Knight and Jarron Collins should all receive some interest, but no one in this group will be a team’s primary target. Price may receive the most attention and Philadelphia could be interested if Andre Miller signs elsewhere this summer. Almond is a player Utah should strongly consider bring back for another year. Knight and Collins will likely draw little to no interest from the Jazz this off-season.

Losing Millsap and Okur this summer is not an ideal scenario, but the Jazz can’t afford to offer either player the amount of money they can receive from other teams. Remember, the Jazz own two first round picks next season, their own and New York’s (unprotected). With the Knicks possibly losing David Lee and/or Nate Robinson this off-season the Knicks should miss the playoffs again next year. The 2010 draft is much deeper, especially in terms of power forwards. Also, keep in mind that Ante Tomic, one of last year’s second round picks will likely be in a Jazz uniform to start the 2010-11 season.