Paul Millsap vs Carlos Boozer

VS

Utah Jazz management is stuck between a rock and a hard place when deciding which direction to steer the franchise in coming years.

Rock = Carlos Boozer
Hard Place = Paul Millsap

Both players have significant upside, however there may not be room for both in the long-term future of the Jazz.

Don't expect the Jazz to move either player this season. The Jazz have got to feel comfortable with their current three-headed monster (Boozer, Okur, and Millsap). All three player are interchangeable in the front-court (any two can play together at one time). Between the three players, there are not many minutes left over.

07-08 Season Averages:
Carlos Boozer = 35 minutes/game
Mehmet Okur = 33 minutes/game
Paul Millsap = 17.5 minutes/game
Left Overs = 10.5 minutes/game

What's the concern?
Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur both have opt-out clauses in their contracts. An opt-out clause provides one party the right to terminate a contract early, or extend the contract for an additional year at the current rate. In this case, both Mehmet Okur and Carlos Boozer will have the chance to test their value on the free agency market. Based on performance/production, both players can demand significantly higher value on the open market.

Paul Millsap is in a slightly different situation. Paul still makes near the league minimum (his rookie contract as a second round pick). Just as Deron Williams recently signed a large contract extension, the Jazz will have the opportunity to offer Paul Millsap a contract extension. Millsap's rookie contract will continue through the following season, after which the newly negotiated contract will take place. It is quite possible that Paul Millsap will earn the highest pay raise of the three players come time for re-negotiation.

Current Salary -- Expected Salary
Carlos Boozer: $11.6M -- $15M to $17M
Mehmet Okur: $8.5M -- $10M to $12M
Paul Millsap: $800K -- $6M

What to do?
That is the question the Jazz face. Based upon value and durability, it is highly unlikely the Jazz will pass on Mehmet Okur. That leaves us with Carlos Boozer and Paul Millsap. Carlos will likely demand a maximum contract from the Jazz, while Paul Millsap will likely be interested in more playing time.

To Be Continued...


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