I appreciate everything the Jazz organization has done for me and my family! Truly gonna miss my teammates, and the fans. Forever love! – Trevor Booker
SALT LAKE CITY — The big news around these parts on Friday night was about a player that will soon join the Utah Jazz.
On Saturday, the news shifted toward one guy who is on his way out.
Hello, Joe Johnson.
Goodbye, Trevor Booker.
Booker has agreed to terms on a two-year deal that will pay him at $18.5-plus million, according to Yahoo! Sports.
The energetic and charismatic Booker, a Jazz fan favorite, spent the past two seasons coming off the bench behind starting power forward Derrick Favors.
His departure will certainly be a blow to cereal sales in the state — Booker ate an enormous amount of the breakfast food each day — and to fans who loved his energy and passion.
Shortly after the deal was announced — first by Trib writer Tony Jones — Booker tweeted out a message to his former team and fanbase.
"I appreciate everything the Jazz organization has done for me and my family!" Booker wrote. "Truly gonna miss my teammates, and the fans. Forever love!"
Booker averaged 5.9 points and 5.7 rebounds in a reserve role last season.
Although his role was appreciated by the Jazz, his exit will open up more minutes for second-year power forward Trey Lyles. As a rookie, the 20-year-old showed exciting potential to provide the team with a much-needed stretch-four presence.
Booker's departure also opens up a possible roster spot for Weber State big Joel Bolomboy. The Jazz's late second-round selection, who's participating with the team's summer league for the next couple of weeks, has similar energy but more athleticism and rebounding prowess than the Brooklyn-bound baller.
Though the Jazz have now traded for one veteran, Indiana point guard George Hill, and acquired a signing pledge from another seasoned player in Johnson, it's quite possible the team will continue to bolster its bench via free agency or another deal.
Johnson, a seven-time All-Star who most recently played for Miami, figures to give the Jazz offensive punch off the bench and a savvy, experienced voice in the locker room. The 15-year vet has averaged 16.9 points, 4.1 assists and 3.9 rebounds in his illustrious career with the Celtics, Suns, Hawks, Nets and Heat.
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