Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Here Comes Portland


Somebody will spend money on Millsap and it looks like the Trail Blazers want nothing more than to make us pay. According to the Oregon Live, " The Trail Blazers have settled on their next target: Utah power forward Paul Millsap." Because of their interest, it looks like the Jazz may have to ante-up, or wait for Portland's offer in order to match.
"The Blazers figure to exhaust nearly all of their cap space to lock up Millsap." It's an interesting move since Portland is already set at the power forward spot with LaMarcus Alridge in place. However, the article states that "Sources say Millsap has told the Blazers he would be amicable to playing behind LaMarcus Aldridge, the Blazers' returning power forward and one of the franchise's cornerstones." Go figure!
If this deal does come to fruition... I believe it'll be a "toxic" deal on the front end of the contract. I could see a starting year salary of $10-12 million with annual salary decreases. This would force the Jazz to make a move... either match and pay SERIOUS luxury tax dollars, or trade one of Boozer or AK47 right away. I believe the Jazz really want to keep Man-sap. As we look at other free agents over the free agent landscape (those with similar ability as Paul), Anderson Varejao just received a 6-year, $50 million deal, while Shawn Marion will receive a 5-year, $40 million contract. David Lee has yet to get a contract offer.
In other news, rumor has it that Boozer could be headed to Chicago. The deal would be for Tyrus Thomas and Jerome James. If we could somehow get a 1st round pick out of that deal, I'd probably do it. Apparently, Jerome James' contract will be paid by insurance (80%) if he doesn't play next year... which is most likely. Interesting. You'd hope we could get a better offer than TT & JJ for the Boozer.

5 comments:

Pasty Gangsta said...

So if we get James and he doesn't play, does he not count against the cap? Or does it but we just don't actually have to pay his salary?

Orlando said...

It still counts against the cap. I can't think of a package deal of guys that Jerry would hate more than Tyrus and Jerome.

Pasty Gangsta said...

Stephon and Rasheed.

Orlando said...

Not on the same team. Yet.

Unknown said...

Didn't Boozer say he wanted to leave Utah after the playoffs this year??