Jazz going after Paul Millsap

July 1, 6:27 PMUtah Jazz ExaminerJeff Lockard

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The Jazz stayed true to their word regarding their interest in keeping restricted free agent Paul Millsap. According to the Salt Lake Tribune, Jazz GM Kevin O’Connor was on the phone with Millsap’s agent as the free agent signing period began late last night.

Utah remains adamant that the organization is willing to exceed the luxury tax threshold in order to retain the rights to Paul Millsap, but at what price? Current reports indicate that Oklahoma City is willing to offer Millsap close to 10 million per year. That’s a big number for a Jazz team that’s already committed 72 million dollars to 11 players this season. The good news is that other than Andrei Kirilenko’s inflated contract, the Jazz have financial flexibility next summer even if they match any offer Millsap receives this off-season.

Although, the financial aspect of this decision looms large, it also boils down to one question: Is Paul Millsap worth 10 million dollars a year? While his numbers as a starter are impressive 16 points and 10 rebounds it’s difficult to envision him as the focal point of Utah’s offense. If Utah matches an offer sheet for Millsap this summer, then Carlos Boozer will certainly walk without compensation next season. If Boozer, Mehmet Okur and Kyle Korver all leave next summer, Millsap will be asked to shoulder a large portion of Utah’s offensive attack. At this point in his career that seems like not only an expensive investment, but a risky experiment.

If Millsap and his agent can get something in the $9 to $11 million dollar range from Oklahoma City, the Jazz should thank Millsap for his professionalism and production while in Salt Lake City and proceed without his services.

• In a separate article the Salt Lake Tribune is reporting that Morris Almond’s time with the Jazz has come to an end. Almond is being linked to the New York Knicks summer league roster. Although, Almond never made a major impact in the NBA, he seemed like a perfect player to keep around. His production in the D-League and his small salary make him a valuable reserve.

• Yahoo! Sports recently reported Ben Gordon and the Detroit Pistons agreed in principle to a deal worth close to $55 million for 5 years. Assuming the Pistons are unable to sign their other free agent target Charlie Villanueva, does this open up trade discussions between Detroit and the Utah Jazz? Detroit has maintained interest this summer in Carlos Boozer, but could not offer him the kind of money he was looking for and sign Ben Gordon. Would the Jazz be interested in a Richard Hamilton for Carlos Boozer trade?