Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY -- There are rumors afloat that could sting the Utah Jazz big time.
According to a report in a Portland newspaper, the Portland Trail Blazers are set to offer Jazz forward Paul Millsap a contract that has been termed as a "toxic offer."
The Blazers could have as much as $8.9 Million to offer Millsap. If they do, the Jazz will have seven days to match that offer or he's gone.
Millsap's representatives claim the Jazz have not offered Millsap a firm contract proposal.
Millsap is a restricted free-agent. That means that the Jazz can match any offer that another team makes and keep Millsap.
Of course, the Jazz are already in the luxury tax category even before thinking about re-signing Millsap, but there's also word a possible trade might be in the works for Jazz forward Carlos Boozer.
ESPN's Chad Ford is claiming that there are talks about a trade that would send Boozer to the Chicago Bulls, Kirk Heinrich to the Portland Trail Blazers and power forward Tyrus Thomas to the Jazz. Thomas is only 22 and averaged 11 points, 6.5 rebounds and nearly two blocks a game for the Bulls last season.
This move would allow the Jazz to re-sign Millsap, but remember this is only speculation.
E-mail: rzundel@ksl.com