Monday, May 4, 2009

What Will Memo Do?


Memo has an early termination clause that he has to decide and make before the deadline on June 30th. Many believe that he’s a “shoe-in” to remain with the team for one more season. But for some reason… I’m not so sure. Memo will be paid $9 million for his final season with the Jazz. Can he discover a long-term contract worth more than $9 million playing for another team? Will the Jazz promise him an extension? Because of Memo’s shooting ability (he’s probably our deadliest long-range bomber), versatility (he can play the 4 or the 5), size, and his big-body defense (better than any of our other post players), I think Memo just might be our most valuable commodity during this free agent period. We also know that quality centers go for “big-money” on the open market. With that being said, Memo didn’t have a great playoff series against LA. He finished off the season with a “bum” hamstring injury that limited his action and playing time. In the open market, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Memo find a couple of interested suitors. Again, Detroit could be one of those suitors (Memo’s former team), OKC needs a quality center (they almost traded for Tyson Chandler) and Memphis has money to spend (though, Gasol the Younger is already entrenched inside). It’ll be interesting to see what Memo decides to do. We really need him to stay… to the point of possibly offering him an extension.
Prediction: With real uncertainty, I believe that Memo will decide to NOT terminate the final year of his contract. Though, I understand that he’ll likely be gunning for a long-term extension with the Jazz. He did say that Utah (Salt Lake) was his “second home” and that he’d like to stick around. However, what if the Jazz don’t offer “said” extension? Will Memo be upset and look towards the open market? That might be a real concern as conversations proceed with KOC and Memo’s representation.

5 comments:

Orlando said...

I completely agree with you on this, Guru. No one is talking about this, but I feel like Memo could actually get a long-term deal in line with his current salary.

Especially OKC. They have Durrant, Green, and Westbrook. If they bring in a big shooter like Okur they are fighting for a playoff spot.

Ryan said...

It's amazing what serviceable centers are getting these days. Look at what Okafor and Bogut got last year, or what Dalembert got the year before, and it seems more and more possible that Okur could opt out and command a similar long term deal. That would really put the Jazz in a tough spot. Let's hope it doesn't happen.

Pasty Gangsta said...

What would be especially tough is losing Memo and Collins in one year. Not seeing Jaron start in his place like we experienced this playoff season would be tough.

Mary said...

I think if Memo does anything besides staying with the Jazz, he will move back to Turkey.

Orlando said...

It would be interesting to see if Okur's father's health keeps him in Turkey. Take a year off, be with family? I could see it.