"There was quite a scene and a crowd at the Salt Lake International Airport when Al Jefferson arrived in town Wednesday night for a trip to make his trade to the Utah Jazz official.

Balloons, signs, thrilled friends and family — not to mention about a dozen media members with TV equipment, flashing cameras and recorders.

Not all of that fanfare was for the Jazz's new big man, of course. And, no, there wasn't a "Welcome, Elder Jefferson" sign, as some at the airport joked about — but he was clearly shocked by the large reception and 9 p.m. press conference.

The 25-year-old Jefferson even touched his face in seeming surprise and mouthed the words, "Oh, man" when he saw his greeting crew, which also included Jazz CEO Greg Miller.

"It's a wonderful feeling, man. It's a wonderful feeling," Jefferson said of being in Utah after spending three seasons apiece in Minnesota and Boston. "I'm glad to be here. I'm happy to (get) a chance to finally play with a great team, a playoff team."

The feeling from his new boss is definitely mutual.

Two days after approving the trade that sent Kosta Koufos, two future first-round picks and a $13 million trade exception to Minnesota in exchange for the potent scorer and rebounder, Miller said the big pick-up was "kind of fun."

The move came at a good time, too, seeing as Jazz fans were restless after seeing two key players — Carlos Boozer and Kyle Korver — sign free-agent deals with the Chicago Bulls.

"It's neat to see how persistence can pay off," Miller said. "You know, a lot of people had us kind of sold down the river."