Utah Jazz match $32 mil offer for Millsap

by James Dator on Jul 16, 2009 10:52 PM EDT

ESPN are reporting that the Utah Jazz will soon post on their official website that they plan to match the Trailblazers 4 yeah $32 mil offer for Paul Millsap.

So, what does this mean for the Bobcats? Well, the Oregonian reported a week ago that they heard from a team source that the team's four targets in free agency (after Turkoglu) were Brandon Bass, Paul Millsap, Lamar Odom and Raymond Felton.

They have now lost out on 3 of there 5 targets. With offers from the Lakers (still salvageble from what I've seen) and an offer from the Miami Heat out there I find it hard to believe the Blazers would land Odom. I also don't see it as a good fit for their team.

So, now there's Felton who could become a target of the Blazers. Carlos Boozer available for a trade and NOW we might to see some interesting moves in the NBA and for Charlotte.

Poll

Will Charlotte make any roster changes this week?

Yes

0 votes

No

6 votes

Only if the Blazers sign Felton to an offer sheet

2 votes

8 votes | Poll has closed

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Reports are that the Lakers offered Odom something like 9 or 10 million a year, so i dont think anyone will match that. As far as Felton is concerned though I wouldnt doubt seeing another team throw an offer his way. Probably an offer that would but the Cats over the luxury tax. Then would the Cats match it or not? If that happens maybe we see a sign and trade including Felton but I dont see anything happening in the next week, but I was wrong once before.

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by jmiller112 on Jul 16, 2009 11:58 PM EDT reply actions

Why isn't Lamar Odom a good fit on Portland?

I think he makes a lot more sense for Portland than Felton does. Odom would slot in as another forward with Aldridge and Outlaw the same as Turkoglu or Milsap would. And Odom provides more flexibility since he can play both forward positions. He rebounds very well and is an excellent passer. He’s going to cost a lot, but Portland already knew that when they supposedly identified him as a target. Portland has to decide whether they’re willing to offer him the five year deal the Lakers have refused, but he’s definitely in play for them.

by ClipCat on Jul 17, 2009 12:47 AM EDT reply actions

I like Odom....

It’s just very uncharacteristic of the current Portland movement towards youth, value and investment in picks rather than FA.

I saw the Turkoglu offer as a 3 who could be spelled at the 2 for Roy if needed. They have a glut of SFs at the moment and I don’t know if Odom is the right player with the right attitude to play third fiddle behind Roy and Aldridge.I might be wrong though…. I just see Miami as a better fit for him if money is equal.

by James Dator on Jul 17, 2009 1:11 AM EDT up reply actions

wow I was tired last night

I realize that Turkoglu is older than Lamar Odom, and I also realize they’ve gone FA happy this offseason.

I did read an interesting article that indicated that unless Miami comes very close to signing him the Blazers may try and make a big play for Odom simply to keep him away from L.A. Basically it seems every team is offering Odom a multi-year MLE deal, and he thinks he’s worth more.

by James Dator on Jul 17, 2009 7:24 AM EDT up reply actions

I agree Odom would be a good fit for Miami

There’s past history with Odom and Miami. He was very excited to sign there as a free agent and begged the Clippers not to match his offer sheet. I remember him calling it his “destiny” to play in Miami under Riley, but then the next year Riley shipped him out for Shaq. I don’t know if there’s any hard feelings about that, but he’s probably a little less naive this time.

More importantly, Miami doesn’t have the cap room that Portland has. Currently Miami can only offer the MLE, and Odom already turned down the supposed Lakers offer of 3 years for $27 million.

Part of the reason Odom is an attractive free agent is that he’s been very effective and comfortable playing a lesser role to stars like Kobe and Gasol. I doubt he’d have any problem fitting in between Roy and Aldridge, but you’re right that the Blazers would have a glut of backup wings with Fernandez, Outlaw, Webster and Batum. That’s not such a bad problem to have though.

by ClipCat on Jul 17, 2009 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions

With the glut of back-up, they have an advantage when it comes to a in season trade. They have young talent that they may be willing to part with. Maybe the sing-and-trade will come from LA. I just really do not think Odom is worth 9 million a year. I think that is to much for Odom. MLE money is probably what he is worth.

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by jmiller112 on Jul 17, 2009 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions

The Lakers' two offers were 3/$30 mil and 4/$36 mil.

But he wanted five years, I guess to make sure he was going to stay in one place for a while or job security. The Heat are the only team that’s gone that far yet (5/$32 mil.)

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jul 17, 2009 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Im sorry but if anyone tossed ten million a year my way im taking it and he should have too. Just because he wanted a five year deal doesnt mean he will be staying in one place the whole time. They could trade him whenever they feel like it. I hope to Toronto just because Im tired of hearing about how he want to be near a beach!

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by jmiller112 on Jul 17, 2009 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions