A sign and trade is the only way that the Jazz can pay someone more than the mid-level exception (about $6 million/year) which means that the top level free agents (Josh Smith, Brand, Arenas, Baron, Iguodala, Luol Deng, Ben Gordon) who are looking for a big payday can only be acquired this way. Sign and trades are often more difficult than regular trades because teams aren't looking to pick up expiring contracts - if they wanted cap space, they could just let their free agent walk and get cap room immediately. That means that the Jazz would have to trade someone of value (which does not include Jarron Collins or Jason Hart). Since most of the tradeable players with value on the Jazz have either (1) horrible contracts (Kirilenko's, Boozer's opt-out) or (2) measly contracts (Millsap, Brewer) it will be very difficult to match a large free agent salary with player value. Basically, the Jazz are unlikely to make a successful sign-and-trade.
However, if the Jazz decide that they really want one of the lesser free agents, they can simply rescind CJ's qualifying offer and whip out the check book (up to the mid-level exception). Here's a list of available guys that I think would fit with the Jazz:

Jazz' Chances: Low. He's hot around the league and a bunch of contenders (Boston, San Antonio, Hornets) and the Florida teams (Heat, Magic) are offering the same amount that the Jazz are. He's either going to go to the beach, or try for a quick ring.
Mickael Pietrus: The Warriors small forward made about $4
million last year and will be looking for more, possibly the full midlevel. He's a supremely athletic player who plays great individual defense (on a horrible defensive team) and is a knock down three-point shooter. He's a bit of an airhead at times - making AK-like turnovers or looking completely flabbergasted in a set offense, but I think he would be a nice upgrade over CJ. It would also be nice to finally have a foreign-born player on the Jazz.
Mickael Pietrus: The Warriors small forward made about $4

Jazz' Chances: Medium. There are a few teams looking at him (Pistons), but he's somewhat under the radar. He'll follow the money, so whoever offers the full mid-level first wins.

Jazz' Chances: Medium to low. A lot of teams are looking to sign this under-the-radar shooter. He'll probably have his pick of locations, and I haven't heard him mention his love for Utah yet. Also, he may be looking for playing time, after riding the bench for long stretches in Portland. The Jazz offer a muddled and crowded swingman rotation.
Josh Childress: This would be my dream pick-up. Childress is a silky smooth player that is perfectly happy being an unheralded contri
butor. He's not a dynamic athlete, but he is a hyper-efficient shooter (57% last year) and a decent, not great, three point shooter. He does a lot of the little things that Sloan likes, and he's a good defender which Sloan would love. Plus, since 25% of my high school class are now dentists in the greater Salt Lake metro area, I can recommend someone that can fix that busted grill.

Jazz' Chances: Really low. Problem is, he's a restricted free agent, so Atlanta would have to refuse to match the Jazz' offer - something they've said they won't do. Sign and trade may be the only realistic way to get him - maybe the Hawks are secretly in love with CJ, Matt Harpring and Jason Hart!
1 comment:
I like Pietrus, and not just because he's French. The Jazz need an athletic defender and, if given the opportunity, I think he could develop into a solid all around player. I also think we may be able to get him for a reasonably good deal.
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