BYE BYE BOOZER? JAZZ LOOKING TO DEAL C-BOOZ

After finding a less than enthusiastic response on the free agent market, Utah Jazz power forward Carlos Boozer decided not to exercise his opt out provision and remain with the team for the 2009-2010 season.  The Jazz might not give him the chance to finish out his contract in Utah, as they’re reportedly working on a three way deal involving Portland and Chicago that would send Boozer to the Bulls.  The Jazz would end up with Tyrus Thomas, while Portland would get Kirk Hinrich from Chicago.  The Blazers’ personnel contribution to the deal has yet to be made public.

Boozer is set to earn $12.7 million next season, the last on his current contract.  During his annual trip to the disabled list for yet another hamstring injury he indicated that his free agency was a foregone conclusion:

"I'm opting out. No matter what, I'm going to get a raise regardless. I am going to opt out, I don't see why I wouldn't, I think it's a very good business decision for me and my family, but I'd also like to see what happens with the Jazz and stay here."

While Boozer has been in Utah, he’s spent more time on the injured list than on the court.  When he hasn’t been injured, he’s put in an inconsistent effort.  He’s certainly got the talent to rank among the league’s elite power forwards—when he ‘comes to play’ he’s almost unstoppable.  The problem is between his injuries, his wanderlust and some degree of laziness games where he ‘comes to play’ are few and far between.

The Jazz are anxious to move Boozer so they can afford to offer more money to his backup Paul Millsap.  Millsap played extremely well when Boozer’s latest injury forced him into the starting lineup, and his performance led many to tab him the power forward of the future for the team.  There are many similarities between Boozer and Jazz legend Karl Malone—they’re the same height, went to the same college and both hail from Louisiana.  Whether or not he ends up being in the same league as ‘The Mailman’ he’s become highly sought after around the league due to his age (24) and work ethic.  He may not have the intrinsic talent as Boozer, but he has a much better attitude and work ethic.

Reports also indicate that the Blazers may be interested in tendering an offer to Milsap.  The Jazz would almost certainly match anything Portland offered, but the Blazers have ulterior motives—they’re in the process of trying to renegotiate the contract of current starting power forward LaMarcus Aldridge.  No one in ‘The Rose City’ wants to see Aldridge go, least of all Blazers’ management but by making overtures to Milsap they could be sending a signal that they have options.  For now, Blazers’ GM Kevin Pritchard all but conceded that a deal involving Boozer to Chicago was in the works though he declined to give specifics:

"We're looking at all our options. We're excited about all the possibilities and maybe they happen tomorrow, maybe they happen in two months, maybe they happen at the trade deadline."

Prichard also indicated that the Blazers were talking to other players:

"I wouldn't just say that we're just looking at him. We are talking with him. That I can verify. But he's not the only person we're talking to."

Regardless of the specifics, the revelation that a deal to send Boozer packing is in the works is a welcome sign.  After Boozer decided against his ‘opt out’ there was concern that Jazz management would be forced to part with Milsap, who became a favorite with Utah fans due to his tough play during his stint in the starting lineup.  The clear indication now is that retaining Milsap is a top priority for the team, which bodes well for the future prospects of the Jazz.