It didn't take long for Karl Malone to sign the richest contract in Utah Jazz history. The Mailman was signed, sealed and delivered shortly after the NBA's free agent signing period opened Sunday at midnight Eastern.
Malone's acceptance of a four-year deal worth a reported $66.5 million meant different things to different people at Sunday's press conference announcing the pact.For Malone, who had taken out an insurance policy this summer just in case something happened while he was a free agent, it's another chapter in a book he says he'll probably never write.
"It's a great day in my life and hopefully for the people in Utah it's a great day, too," Malone said after signing the fifth -- and in all likelihood final contract -- in his 14-year career with the Jazz. "To be able to stay with one organization, feel wanted and at 36-years-old receive a contract like this is awesome."
For Jazz vice-president of basketball operations Scott Layden, the
signing of the two-time league MVP represents a good beginning.
"This is a grand day for our franchise. What a great way to start the free agency signing period -- a way to start building our team for next season," said Layden. "Obviously, from a basketball standpoint and in a position of mine, I couldn't be more excited than to sign the best free agent out on the market."
For Jazz owner Larry H. Miller, it is money well spent.
"It's, by far, the largest contract in terms of money in Jazz history and I think it's very fitting that it goes to Karl," said Miller. "I think it's only right that a player who has done all that he has finally gets his due. I'm very pleased for Karl and his family."
Miller praised Malone and agent Dwight Manley for being terrific in negotiations that he termed as being fun at times. The only provision sought outside securing Malone the NBA maximum salary under the collective bargaining agreement was the waiving of a standard safety clause, which limits off-court activity by NBA players. Now Malone can ride his beloved motorcycles and do other things without violating his contract. Both sides agreed it was a technicality more than anything.
"If I start reading about parachutes," joked Miller, "then he and I are going Duke City."
Though Miller and Malone have a somewhat checkered history in terms of contract renegotiations, the owner said he considers their relationship as special.
"I've been asked if it makes me nervous to sign a 36-year-old player to a four-year deal. And in this case, frankly, it doesn't," said Miller. "If there's ever been a 36-year-old who I'd be comfortable betting on a four-year contract with it's Karl Malone. The way he takes care of himself and in spite of what else is going on in his life or with us or anything else, one thing that I think we all know is that when the ball goes in the air Karl is just there to play."
Malone's consistent work ethic and dedication on and off the floor, added Miller, is the trademark of his Hall of Fame career.
"It's impossible to measure what Karl's done for this franchise," said Miller. "It's impossible to quantify the value of the relationship that he has not only with this franchise but with me and my family."
Good feelings permeated the announcement that Malone, who once threatened to finish his career with the Los Angeles Lakers, would remain in Utah.
"I have one goal now," said Malone. "And that goal is to win a championship. I started something here 14 years ago." Though stopping short of a guarantee, Malone vows he'll be ready for another run at the title. After back-to-back appearances in the NBA finals, Utah was eliminated by Portland in the Western Conference semifinals last season. Malone gave Jazz management, which has plans to bring back free agents John Stockton, Jeff Hornacek and Shandon Anderson as well, a vote of confidence by re-signing.
"I have a lot of faith in what the Jazz are doing," said Malone, who says there's plenty of room for improvement -- though he declined to discuss specifics. "The politically correct thing to say right now is I want to line up with guys, all five not two or three, but I want all five guys to give an effort. And I think that's what they're going to be looking for." Malone promises he'll be up to the task. He knows he can't beat Father Time, but he's convinced he can slow him down. He'll gauge his own future on productivity and an ability to run the floor.
"I believe in training and I believe in doing things that give me that edge," said Malone, who plans to intensify his offseason workout regime on Monday. "That's what I've been doing for 14 years and my schedule this summer is the same."
The only difference, it seems, is Malone's salary and future security. He stands to receive an immediate payment of $14 million for next season.
"Unbelievable is not the right word on a day like this," said Malone. "But, it's a real nice 'unbelievable' day, I guess."
ASSOCIATED PRESS /DOUGLAS C. PIZAC