Jefferson or Millsap to be traded? ESPN insider, please.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8610192/nba-utah-jazz-paul-millsap-al-jefferson-players-most-likely-traded

I don't wanna read the whole inside stuff w/out paying, just this article.

Gonna have to get used to headlines and tweets and rumors like this, it started before last season was even over and it will continue until they are either traded or the trade deadline passes. This article is pure speculation based on the current situation rather than any actual rumors or intel....

Quote :

As the NBA season gets under way, there are already names we know will come up when the February trade deadline approaches. At that point, we will start seeing trade rumors fill our Twitter timelines and RSS feeds.

When dealing with impending free agents, more and more teams are proactively shopping players early rather than running the risk of losing them to free agency.

Here's a look at some players who are priced to move:

Al Jefferson | C | 2013 UFA | 2012-13 salary: $15 million
Paul Millsap | PF | 2013 UFA | 2012-13 salary: $8.6 million

Millsap

While the Utah Jazz aren't projected to be a taxpayer, as a small market team it has to exercise extreme caution and be more proactive in shaping its future. With two promising big men in Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter, it would not be prudent to lock into long-term, lucrative deals with players who play the same position, particularly with more than $35 million in projected cap space that could be used to address more glaring needs in the backcourt.

Millsap is the more versatile of the two; Utah's best producing plus-minus lineups feature Millsap at small forward. He is the face of the Jazz, a blue-collar worker who sets the tone in the locker room and has improved his skill level steadily since entering the league in 2006. High motor and good lateral mobility make him a good defender in the pick-and-roll. On the flip side, he is undersized as a power forward and a below-average defensive rebounder. Although a much-improved perimeter shooter, his range is still inconsistent at the 3-point line.

Jefferson

Jefferson is a bruising post presence with an array of exaggerated shot fakes and unorthodox shot release points around the rim, good footwork and touch. He is an outstanding defensive rebounder and decent shot-blocker, but that's where the praise ends for him on the defensive end. He is often slow on rotations and lacks awareness on the weak side. It also bears mentioning that although Jefferson has been the franchise player on his team for much of his eight-year career, he has been to the playoffs just twice. For a guy looking to get paid as a franchise player, winning has to factor into the price tag.

Both players are looking to be paid handsomely, particularly Millsap, who can legitimately claim to be one of the few players who have been underpaid on two contracts. If Utah had to choose one to keep, it would probably be Millsap for his ability to slide to small forward and the culture-setting he brings, but that's what makes him a more attractive trade piece in terms of getting value back. If they don't move one of the two, there's a huge chance they won't be able to retain them in free agency, because there will be suitors.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8610192/nba-utah-jazz-paul-millsap-al-jefferson-players-most-likely-traded

If the Jazz M.O. holds as true with Lindsey as it did with KOC, what's actually going on won't be known untill it's already over and done with.

TheMagnus wrote:

Gonna have to get used to headlines and tweets and rumors like this, it started before last season was even over and it will continue until they are either traded or the trade deadline passes. This article is pure speculation based on the current situation rather than any actual rumors or intel....

Quote :

As the NBA season gets under way, there are already names we know will come up when the February trade deadline approaches. At that point, we will start seeing trade rumors fill our Twitter timelines and RSS feeds.

When dealing with impending free agents, more and more teams are proactively shopping players early rather than running the risk of losing them to free agency.

Here's a look at some players who are priced to move:

Al Jefferson | C | 2013 UFA | 2012-13 salary: $15 million
Paul Millsap | PF | 2013 UFA | 2012-13 salary: $8.6 million

Millsap

While the Utah Jazz aren't projected to be a taxpayer, as a small market team it has to exercise extreme caution and be more proactive in shaping its future. With two promising big men in Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter, it would not be prudent to lock into long-term, lucrative deals with players who play the same position, particularly with more than $35 million in projected cap space that could be used to address more glaring needs in the backcourt.

Millsap is the more versatile of the two; Utah's best producing plus-minus lineups feature Millsap at small forward. He is the face of the Jazz, a blue-collar worker who sets the tone in the locker room and has improved his skill level steadily since entering the league in 2006. High motor and good lateral mobility make him a good defender in the pick-and-roll. On the flip side, he is undersized as a power forward and a below-average defensive rebounder. Although a much-improved perimeter shooter, his range is still inconsistent at the 3-point line.

Jefferson

Jefferson is a bruising post presence with an array of exaggerated shot fakes and unorthodox shot release points around the rim, good footwork and touch. He is an outstanding defensive rebounder and decent shot-blocker, but that's where the praise ends for him on the defensive end. He is often slow on rotations and lacks awareness on the weak side. It also bears mentioning that although Jefferson has been the franchise player on his team for much of his eight-year career, he has been to the playoffs just twice. For a guy looking to get paid as a franchise player, winning has to factor into the price tag.

Both players are looking to be paid handsomely, particularly Millsap, who can legitimately claim to be one of the few players who have been underpaid on two contracts. If Utah had to choose one to keep, it would probably be Millsap for his ability to slide to small forward and the culture-setting he brings, but that's what makes him a more attractive trade piece in terms of getting value back. If they don't move one of the two, there's a huge chance they won't be able to retain them in free agency, because there will be suitors.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8610192/nba-utah-jazz-paul-millsap-al-jefferson-players-most-likely-traded

If the Jazz M.O. holds as true with Lindsey as it did with KOC, what's actually going on won't be known untill it's already over and done with.

I have a feeling that Al is gone and they will sign Sap to a 5 year contract.

Thanks, Magnus!

Pure speculation, like you said.

Romoholic wrote:

I have a feeling that Al is gone and they will sign Sap to a 5 year contract.

You know I've gone back and forth on this. I think they will try to re-sign Millsap, but I think they are listening to offers for both, and I think they will need to get the right offers to trade them otherwise they are more than willing to just keep them both until the end of the season and take their chances.

What they aren't going to do is trade Jefferson away or Millsap for another sub-elite player on a 8 figure contract, that much I can guarantee, and that make trading them a lot harder.

Since the extention deadline is past, there's really only two kinds of deals I can see the Jazz making for Jefferson, a blockbuster where they package him with draft picks and maybe a young guy for a bonafide Elite player on a long term contract, or a dump deal (likely with a contender) involving young talent and/or draft picks with a washed up veteran thrown in to make the salaries work out.

Millsap, as the article said, should in theory be much easier to trade. The only problem is I don't think he really is, because the exact same criteria that apply to a Jefferson deal apply to him. And while the convenience of his lower salary makes it easier to do the second (dump) type of deal I mentioned above, I think that might be offset by the fact that the Jazz seem like they actually want to keep him.

So where does that leave us? I don't know, but I still feel like it is as likely that both guys finnish the season with the team as not.

with lakers looking for coach and lack of a bench is there a trade for the jazz to make to move bell for a pick or one of there bench player?

Richardale wrote:

with lakers looking for coach and lack ot bench is there a trade the jazz make to move bell for a pick or one of there bench player?

Hey, now you're thinking Richard. But even if the Lakers would give up a second round pick, who would you want from their bench?

TheMagnus wrote:

Richardale wrote:

with lakers looking for coach and lack ot bench is there a trade the jazz make to move bell for a pick or one of there bench player?

Hey, now you're thinking Richard. But even if the Lakers would give up a second round pick, who would you want from their bench?

Exactly they have nobody worth shit on their bench! Also I wouldn't do anything to help the Lakers even in a small way!

What about Bell and Watson for a second rounder?

Even injured Watson still looks better than Blake!

Tarakaan wrote:

What about Bell and Watson for a second rounder?

Even injured Watson still looks better than Blake!

That's not bad actually, Kobe seems to like Bell...Make it so #1

With every game the sense about Al and Paul both being in another team by next season grows and grows and grows in my mind. Love them, but the Jazz just need to start focusing on both Favors and Kanter.

- Jefferson will be playing consistent basketball in about 10-15 more games as he's usually slow to establish his game itno the season; but he has to be who he is, working his shot in the post, exhausting his defenders a little bit.. that's his game

- Millsap evolves a part of his game with every off-season, and that's really nice.... but the other side of the coin is never mentioned: with every offensive move and shot he developes, he also lose some defensive grit... it's like his D goes down at the same pace his shot goes up...

Romoholic wrote:

TheMagnus wrote:

Richardale wrote:

with lakers looking for coach and lack ot bench is there a trade the jazz make to move bell for a pick or one of there bench player?

Hey, now you're thinking Richard. But even if the Lakers would give up a second round pick, who would you want from their bench?

Exactly they have nobody worth shit on their bench! Also I wouldn't do anything to help the Lakers even in a small way!

Who said anything about helping. unless its helping them lose! Na win win for both parties.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8739840/nba-breaking-potential-paul-millsap-pau-gasol-trade

It seems more like a trade idea and not news. But can't read it all. But it has been said before. Where there is smoke...

Leoverine wrote:

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8739840/nba-breaking-potential-paul-millsap-pau-gasol-trade

It seems more like a trade idea and not news. But can't read it all. But it has been said before. Where there is smoke...

Ya, it's a 'nother dumb suggestion from another dumb writer that think small market teams live to serve big market teams with lopsided trades.

I don't even have to post it, all you really need to know is that Tom Haberstroh think Millsap would be a great fit for the Lakers so he constructs this ridiculous (and I mean ridiculous) 3 team deal invloving the Lakers, Bobcats, and Jazz that has the Jazz trading (no kidding, you ready for this?) Millsap, Jefferson, Kanter, Mo Williams, and Raja Bell's Exapiring Contract for Pau Gasol, Kemba Walker, Ben Gordon, and Earl Clark.

I was hard on M.V.P. for his Bobcats trade idea, but Haberstroh is supposed to be a professional Journalist, and this article just made me file his name right next to Gordon Monson in my "this guy is a complete moron and should only be read for entertainment value" mental rolodex.

TheMagnus wrote:

Gonna have to get used to headlines and tweets and rumors like this, it started before last season was even over and it will continue until they are either traded or the trade deadline passes. This article is pure speculation based on the current situation rather than any actual rumors or intel....

Quote :

As the NBA season gets under way, there are already names we know will come up when the February trade deadline approaches. At that point, we will start seeing trade rumors fill our Twitter timelines and RSS feeds.

When dealing with impending free agents, more and more teams are proactively shopping players early rather than running the risk of losing them to free agency.

Here's a look at some players who are priced to move:

Al Jefferson | C | 2013 UFA | 2012-13 salary: $15 million
Paul Millsap | PF | 2013 UFA | 2012-13 salary: $8.6 million

Millsap

While the Utah Jazz aren't projected to be a taxpayer, as a small market team it has to exercise extreme caution and be more proactive in shaping its future. With two promising big men in Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter, it would not be prudent to lock into long-term, lucrative deals with players who play the same position, particularly with more than $35 million in projected cap space that could be used to address more glaring needs in the backcourt.

Millsap is the more versatile of the two; Utah's best producing plus-minus lineups feature Millsap at small forward. He is the face of the Jazz, a blue-collar worker who sets the tone in the locker room and has improved his skill level steadily since entering the league in 2006. High motor and good lateral mobility make him a good defender in the pick-and-roll. On the flip side, he is undersized as a power forward and a below-average defensive rebounder. Although a much-improved perimeter shooter, his range is still inconsistent at the 3-point line.

Jefferson

Jefferson is a bruising post presence with an array of exaggerated shot fakes and unorthodox shot release points around the rim, good footwork and touch. He is an outstanding defensive rebounder and decent shot-blocker, but that's where the praise ends for him on the defensive end. He is often slow on rotations and lacks awareness on the weak side. It also bears mentioning that although Jefferson has been the franchise player on his team for much of his eight-year career, he has been to the playoffs just twice. For a guy looking to get paid as a franchise player, winning has to factor into the price tag.

Both players are looking to be paid handsomely, particularly Millsap, who can legitimately claim to be one of the few players who have been underpaid on two contracts. If Utah had to choose one to keep, it would probably be Millsap for his ability to slide to small forward and the culture-setting he brings, but that's what makes him a more attractive trade piece in terms of getting value back. If they don't move one of the two, there's a huge chance they won't be able to retain them in free agency, because there will be suitors.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8610192/nba-utah-jazz-paul-millsap-al-jefferson-players-most-likely-traded

If the Jazz M.O. holds as true with Lindsey as it did with KOC, what's actually going on won't be known untill it's already over and done with.

Illegally posting an article behind a pay wall? I'm starting to like you bro. F the man.

Man why would I trade away two of the best brothers in the league? I ain't dumb bro. If I'm trading a big it's gonna be Enes Kanter the Big Turkey.

I almost did this trade that came inside my head under the serenity of the miniature golf course. Enes Burks and the GSW pick for Kyrie Irving. I offered Hayward instead of Burks and that made the trade less palatable.

Way too bad man cuz that team be championship contending with Al Jefferson the Finals MVP.

TheMagnus wrote:

Leoverine wrote:

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8739840/nba-breaking-potential-paul-millsap-pau-gasol-trade

It seems more like a trade idea and not news. But can't read it all. But it has been said before. Where there is smoke...

Ya, it's a 'nother dumb suggestion from another dumb writer that think small market teams live to serve big market teams with lopsided trades.

I don't even have to post it, all you really need to know is that Tom Haberstroh think Millsap would be a great fit for the Lakers so he constructs this ridiculous (and I mean ridiculous) 3 team deal invloving the Lakers, Bobcats, and Jazz that has the Jazz trading (no kidding, you ready for this?) Millsap, Jefferson, Kanter, Mo Williams, and Raja Bell's Exapiring Contract for Pau Gasol, Kemba Walker, Ben Gordon, and Earl Clark.

I was hard on M.V.P. for his Bobcats trade idea, but Haberstroh is supposed to be a professional Journalist, and this article just made me file his name right next to Gordon Monson in my "this guy is a complete moron and should only be read for entertainment value" mental rolodex.

So the Jazz move almost half their roster, including three starters, for a younger, but not necessarily better PG, a broke down big, a chucker that is past his prime and Earl Clark? I may trade in my Jazz fan card If they did that.

zero24gravity wrote:

TheMagnus wrote:

Leoverine wrote:

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8739840/nba-breaking-potential-paul-millsap-pau-gasol-trade

It seems more like a trade idea and not news. But can't read it all. But it has been said before. Where there is smoke...

Ya, it's a 'nother dumb suggestion from another dumb writer that think small market teams live to serve big market teams with lopsided trades.

I don't even have to post it, all you really need to know is that Tom Haberstroh think Millsap would be a great fit for the Lakers so he constructs this ridiculous (and I mean ridiculous) 3 team deal invloving the Lakers, Bobcats, and Jazz that has the Jazz trading (no kidding, you ready for this?) Millsap, Jefferson, Kanter, Mo Williams, and Raja Bell's Exapiring Contract for Pau Gasol, Kemba Walker, Ben Gordon, and Earl Clark.

I was hard on M.V.P. for his Bobcats trade idea, but Haberstroh is supposed to be a professional Journalist, and this article just made me file his name right next to Gordon Monson in my "this guy is a complete moron and should only be read for entertainment value" mental rolodex.

So the Jazz move almost half their roster, including three starters, for a younger, but not necessarily better PG, a broke down big, a chucker that is past his prime and Earl Clark? I may trade in my Jazz fan card If they did that.

That would be in the top five for worst trades in NBA history!

Did that idiot steal the trade idea from some message board??

Because that's what fans, and DUMB fans at that, do: figure out who they want and then throw a bunch of names into the Trade Machine and if it still doesn't work, throw a bunch of names from ANOTHER team that has no reason at all to want to help Team A's fans get "their" ring.

For professional writers to indulge in that kind of shit is shameful.

Trollificus wrote:

Did that idiot steal the trade idea from some message board??

Because that's what fans, and DUMB fans at that, do: figure out who they want and then throw a bunch of names into the Trade Machine and if it still doesn't work, throw a bunch of names from ANOTHER team that has no reason at all to want to help Team A's fans get "their" ring.

For professional writers to indulge in that kind of shit is shameful.

That's what I was thinking. Does he really think the Jazz would ruin their team and kill their future, just to help the Lakers stay relevant? I hope he realizes that the Jazz have no interest in helping the Lakers in anyway shape or form. Hell I don't think we have even made a trade with them since the late 70s.

Just because it helps the Lakers, doesn't make it feasible or even a snow ball chance in hell realistic. That kind of trade could very well be the end of the Jazz in Utah. Yeah I'm sure KOC and Greg are just salivating over making that trade.

Trollificus wrote:

Did that idiot steal the trade idea from some message board??

Because that's what fans, and DUMB fans at that, do: figure out who they want and then throw a bunch of names into the Trade Machine and if it still doesn't work, throw a bunch of names from ANOTHER team that has no reason at all to want to help Team A's fans get "their" ring.

For professional writers to indulge in that kind of shit is shameful.

My guess is that David Stern and/or one of his lackeys has come up with this trade idea, and will see it enforced, just like they did the original Pau Gasol trade. Stern probably has compromising pictures of Greg Miller and will use them if the Jazz don't comply.

I cruised the rumor boards as the Jazz were getting blown out last night (fishing for something inspiring since the team wasn't doing anything to make me feel very good about their immediate future) and there seems to be near universal speculation that Millsap will be gone soon because there is no way the Jazz will pay him what he will command on the open market. On writer pointed out that Sap was the best PF in his draft not named Aldridge. Another speculated that the Jazz would be looking to convert Sap into a starting PG - which I think is crazy - not like they are going to get a significant upgrade over Mo.

In the end I remind myself that this squad is not built for a long run of being relevant. They are barely relevant right now. And, the Jazz probably have the greatest flexibility of any team in the league with respect to on-the-fly re-tooling. Hate to say it but this season may end up being a fold the cards and get a new hand one. More than a complex problem for the front office as the young guns don't appear to be future anchors of a dominant team but rather complimentary pieces. Favors, Kanter and Hayward appear to have "decent-good" stamped on their butts and Burks oddly a bust. Not a group one builds around.

By Brett David Roberts(Featured Columnist)

The mediocre Jazz will be foolish to just let them walk this summer.

Just about two weeks ago, Brett Pollakoff of NBC Sports reported that the Jazz were nearly a lock to deal Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson before the trade deadline.

The two Utah big men both have expiring contracts and a lot of value around the league.

However, Steve Kyler of HOOPSWORLD recently reported that things have changed in Utah, and that as long as the Jazz are hanging around in the playoff picture, they would not be interested in trading away their two most established veterans.

The Jazz have former No. 3 overall pick Enes Kanter and the dynamic Georgia Tech product Derrick Favors waiting in the wings, but neither offer the short-term production of Millsap and Jefferson. If the Jazz are interested in making a run in the playoffs, holding on to the incumbents is the only way it will happen.

But that's the thing: the Jazz can't make a run. They snuck in as the eighth seed last year and were promptly swept by the San Antonio Spurs.

They don't have the talent to do much more than just make the playoffs. To make any kind of run in the distant future, they need to get something for their two talented big men.

Or risk getting nothing at all.

Just curious...this "nothing at all ooga-booga!!" that is always lingering over the last year of any star on a small market team? Is it like the "fiscal cliff ooga-booga!!"??

Does it also dress up like the much more desirable and very valuable "cap space...ahh..."?

If so, I'm not so sure the "ooga-booga" applies.

Trollificus wrote:

Just curious...this "nothing at all ooga-booga!!" that is always lingering over the last year of any star on a small market team? Is it like the "fiscal cliff ooga-booga!!"??

Does it also dress up like the much more desirable and very valuable "cap space...ahh..."?

If so, I'm not so sure the "ooga-booga" applies.

Speaking of cap space, how come everyone figures not re-signing a valuable player and using the cap space to shop the FA and trade market at season end is always looked upon by some as "not getting anything"? Unless I'm missing something not re-signing Al, Sap, Foye, etc etc gives the team craploads of flexibility. In my opionion, unless it is a one-for-one trade frequently replacing a key player via trade mid-season also means taking on some filler/throw aways. What am I missing?