Utah Jazz tried to pry away Shareef

[Guest]

From Today's ESPN Insider where C-Ford discusses what teams are going into the preseason with major question marks...and somehow Utah made his list...go figure.

Utah Jazz

The problem: We knew that the loss of Karl Malone and John Stockton would be devastating, but who knew it would be this bad? GM Kevin O'Connor did his best this summer to land a top free agent, but the Jazz stuck out twice trying to snag a restricted free agent, and lost out on everyone else they pursued. They get an "A" for effort, but a "D" for the final result.

The solution: It isn't Keon Clark. Clark was the only significant addition to the Jazz this summer. While he will give them energy, shot blocking and much needed athleticism, he can't address either of the Jazz's biggest needs -- low-post scoring and point guard play. Had they landed Jason Terry, one of their problems would've been solved. Without Terry, the Jazz are in big trouble this season. The free-agent pool is essentially empty. The Jazz have a lot of flexibility with trades given that the team is still $15 million under the cap. But the key for O'Connor is getting players who aren't overpaid and who don't have too many years left on their contracts. As it stands, the Jazz will clear another $13.7 million next year when Clark and Greg Ostertag get off the books. They can afford to swallow one big contract, but not much else.

They've already made the calls to Atlanta, trying to pry away Shareef Abdur-Rahim. With the new ownership finally in place, will the Hawks be anxious to start cutting payroll and make a deal? If that doesn't work, the Jazz don't have many options. The Nets are trying to dump Dikembe Mutombo. The Raptors are shopping Antonio Davis. The Blazers are trying to move one long-term contract. It's doubtful the Jazz are interested in any of those trades. One option might be to dangle Ostertag as part of the deal now. Several teams like the Grizzlies and Knicks are still desperate for a center. Ostertag isn't much to look at, be he did average 9.2 ppg and 8.6 rpg in the playoffs last season. What about an Ostertag-for-Kurt Thomas-and-Charlie Ward deal? That would give the Knicks their big man and leave the Jazz with plenty of cap flexibility as Ward comes off the books next season. Another interesting option would be Ostertag and a future Jazz first-round pick for Stromile Swift and Brevin Knight. The Grizzlies have been insisting that they don't want to move Swift, but Ostertag size may make them think twice.

"

If ownership is really commited to winning and deep

pockets, I think it would be best to keep Shareef.

[capstone21]

nah, they probably just called asking if they can get him.

SAR is not going anywhere and I think the new management is not looking to just cut payroll. They are looking to build a solid team that fans will eventually want to come to watch.

That does not start with dumping your top player.

I think now that management is basically in place they will look at filling the roster now and adding asst coaches. I will be surprised if any core player is gone at training camp time

[hds428]

"...the Jazz's biggest needs -- low-post scoring and point guard play. Had they landed Jason Terry, one of their problems would've been solved."

Would that be the same Jason Terry that can't play point in Atlanta?

"...Without Terry, the Jazz are in big trouble this season..."

But the Hawks are definitely better off without him...