With the NBA Draft over, the Jazz now move into what promises to be an even more crucial stage of their off-season schedule. Beginning today, teams can talk to free agents. And it is through trades and free agents that the Jazz are likely to get the most immediate help.
As the Jazz go shopping, they must also make some decisions on their own players. They failed to pick up the option on Chambers' contract, making him an unrestricted free agent. Also, Mark Eaton, whose contract expired Thursday, is an unrestricted free agent.Scott Layden, the Jazz's director of basketball operations, had little to say on the status of the two players. "I think we'll just wait and see how everything unfolds," said Layden.
Stephen Howard, Walter Bond and Bryon Russell are restricted free agents, and the Jazz will likely decide their fate after the summer league or perhaps invite them all back for veteran's camp. While Russell, who started 42 games for the Jazz last year, stands a good chance to get a guaranteed contract, Howard and Bond will likely have to wait until October to see what happens.
The prospects of any team improving slowed this week when a judge barred the signing of contracts between teams and players until the NBA can show cause at a hearing July 8. The ruling was issued a day after the players' union filed suit against the NBA, claiming the salary cap, draft and rights of first refusal are illegal. Free agents can still talk to teams but just can't sign a contract until after July 8.
Signing free agents could be further slowed by the lingering question of salary cap. Virtually every team in the league is over the cap. Thus, free agents may be content to wait a few weeks to see if the cap is abolished before signing on with a team.
"Most of the teams are over the cap, so it tightens the possibilities to sign anybody," Layden said. "So a lot of teams may have to wait and see just where the new agreement goes."
Assuming the Jazz are able to eventually sign a free agent or two - either under the salary cap or in the absence of one - there are a number of intriguing possibilities.
Vincent Askew and Michael Cage of Seattle, Ron Harper and Dominique Wilkins of the Clippers, Danny Manning and Duane Ferrell of Atlanta, Sam Mitchell of Indiana, Horace Grant of Chicago, Wayman Tisdale of Sacramento and Buck Williams of Portland all are unrestricted free agents.
In an interesting side note, ex-Jazzmen Larry Krystkowiak and Thurl Bailey are also unrestricted free agents.
Restricted free agents - those whose teams have rights of first refusal - include Lloyd Daniels (Spurs), Sean Elliott (Pistons), Pervis Ellison (Bullets) and Anthony Mason (Knicks).
Among those whose contracts stipulate they can opt for unrestricted free agency are Craig Ehlo (Hawks), Dale Ellis (Spurs), A.C. Green (Suns), Harvey Grant (Portland), Chuck Person (Timberwolves) and Detlef Schrempf (Sonics).
Those whose contracts stipulate they can opt for restricted free agency include Terrell Brandon (Cavs), Mario Elie (Rockets), Anfernee Hardaway (Magic), Toni Kukoc (Bulls), Lionel Simmons (Kings), Clarence Weatherspoon (Sixers) and Chris Webber (Warriors).
Webber announced earlier this week that he would exercise his option for free agency, though his agent indicated the likelihood of Webber staying at Golden State is good.
There is also a reasonable chance the Jazz will trade someone before the summer is over. One of the more intriguing possibilities being circulated is that they are looking to send forward Tyrone Corbin, a nine-year veteran, to the Lakers for two-year veteran Doug Christie. On the surface, such a trade would make sense for the Jazz. At 6-foot-6, Christie is young and athletic - areas the Jazz are hoping to improve upon. Also, Christie can play both small forward and off guard.
Corbin, a small forward, made a reported $1.4 million last year while Christie made $1,445,000. Thus, their salaries are close enough to fit in the same slot.
Other rumors have the Jazz looking at Detroit's Elliott.
Jazz Director of Basketball Operations Scott Layden routinely refuses to comment on trade rumors. "We don't get into that. Some teams do, and we try to stay from it, both from our perspective and in terms of being the proper thing to do with regards to the players involved," Layden said.
He added, "On trades, we've always been very tight-lipped, but I'm a little embarrassed at how many times I have to say 'no comment.' My feeling is maybe we're in such a public business, those things should be made public, but for our organization to discuss our players in the paper, with regards to a trade, is totally irresponsible. Also, if we were in conversations with another team, to make that conversation public is unprofessional. That's why I stay away from it."
General Manager Tim Howells said last week, "I'm not aware of anything going on. I wasn't at the meeting (Friday) and there could have been idle talking. But if there was anything serious going on, I would have been contacted."
Whatever the case, the Jazz say they are working to improve. "I think it's fair to say we're going to try to improve our team," Layden said. "Whether those things (free agents or trades) work out is hard to say. Each summer our approach is to make the team better."