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LEHI - Jazz fans are still buzzing about Paul Millsap's multi-million dollar offer from the Portland Trailblazers. His teammates seem to be in his court.
Deron Williams welcomed numerous friends and celebrities at Thanksgiving Point Saturday afternoon for his annual Point of Hope charity golf tournament.
"We hope to raise as much money as we can for my foundation and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation," he said. "This is our best year yet with the biggest turnout. We have 32 teams this year. I'm very excited about this year. Hopefully we can sell a couple more auction items today and raise awareness for a good cause."
While Williams wanted to focus on the golf tournament, the conversation quickly turned to the Jazz. The big talk, of course, was Paul Millsap's recent offer of four years and a reported $32 million from the Portland Trailblazers.
Williams said, "I think he's worth it. If you look around the league, what other power forwards are being paid. I just hope he's back next year."
Kyle Korver will be back next year, and says he hopes to enter talks of a contract extension later this summer. He wants to see Millsap back as well.
"I'm happy for him, I mean I hope it works out, he's back here again. He's worked really hard and he deserves it," said Korver.
Ronnie Price, who played for the Jazz the last two seasons and is now an unrestricted free agent, says contract talks with Utah are moving forward. He knows right now, however, Millsap's situation is a bigger issue. "I just told him yesterday he had a glow about him, and he deserves every penny of it," he said.
Whether Millsap's contract is too many pennies is up to the Jazz. They've said in the past they'd match any offer, but that may have changed. However, as of Saturday morning, Jazz Vice President of Operations Kevin O'Connor said the contract was in transit and he hasn't had a chance to look it over.
"What I think it depends on is whether it's worth it, if Paul's worth the offer. You don't want to overpay or panic on something. We said we'd match it and we'll take a look at it and if it's where it should be, we'll evaluate it," O'Connor said.
O'Connor was asked if he feels he's being bullied by the Blazers. "You'd have to ask them that. What would you say? I don't think the Miller family likes to be bullied," he said.
The Miller's don't like the idea of paying a luxury tax, which is what they'd do if everyone stays with the team this season.
Jazz President Randy Rigby said, "We have to be prepared to make these decisions for the betterment of the team and our long term success."
Which brings up another big question: does Utah's long term success include Carlos Boozer? According to a report on ESPN.com, Boozer has been informed by the Jazz he's not in the team's long term plans.
O'Connor says he's had numerous talks with other teams about trade possibilities -- trades that may make the Millsap decision easier. The team has until next Friday to decide whether or not to match the Blazers offer and keep Millsap in Utah.
E-mail: kaiken@ksl.com
