RealGM Basketball

Utah Jazz Wiretap

Utah's Hart Exercises $2.5M Option

Guard Jason Hart has exercised his $2.5 million option to remain with the Jazz next season, according to The Salt Lake Tribune.

He had a disappointing season, finishing as the team's number three point guard. He had until June 30 to decide, but his agent claims that the decision wasn't a hard one.

"This past year, [Hart] probably would have liked to have played more, and we would have liked for him to have played more," General Manager Kevin O'Connor said. "But he'll get the chance to come in and compete for a position again next year behind Deron [Williams]."

There is still a chance that the team could look to buyout Hart, who would have likely had to settle for a minimum deal ($1.07 million) elsewhere.

"There's always that hope," agent Bill Neff said. "That's a big investment for a third guard, so you always have that. In this day and age, to give someone close to half the midlevel [exception] and then not play him isn't that wise."

RealGM Note: Hart 'deserved' a salary of $1.14 million and therefore had a Reina Value of -55%.

Via The Salt Lake Tribune


Utah Expects Millsap To Be Out Six Weeks

The Jazz expect forward Paul Millsap to be off the court for the next six weeks after successful surgery on his thumb Friday, according to The Deseret News.

He will be re-evaluated in two weeks in order to determine the treatment for the following month. If that timetable remains true, Millsap could be ready to play during the team's Summer League in July.

He will wear a cast for the next two weeks.

Via The Deseret News


Could Utah Trade Boozer This Summer?

Carlos Boozer struggled during the postseason, and the Jazz could look to deal him before he has the ability to opt out of his contract in 2009 and become an unrestricted free agent, according to The Salt Lake Tribune.

Rumor has it that the Miami Heat are beginning to target Boozer should he exercise his early-termination option next summer, which may lead Utah to deal him for something in return.

Boozer also owns a home in South Florida, further adding to the speculation that he wouldn't mind joining Pat Riley in Miami.

However, it's still possible that Boozer could remain with the Jazz and re-sign for a maximum contract after exercising his clause next summer.

Via The Salt Lake Tribune


Jazz May 2008 Archive