"Welcome to fall camp/free-agency frenzy, 2011-lockout style.

The Utah Jazz's first practice only included 12 players, and they continued training camp Saturday with three more NBA-seasoned players on the court.

But wait. They also have a couple more players in Utah from Europe waiting in the wings — none named Andrei Kirilenko, though.

And contrary to multiple reports, Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor insisted the team has not made a formal offer to veteran small forward Josh Howard.

Just another atypical day in the build up to an irregular season.

"It's a unique situation and everybody's going through it," Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin said. "We just have to deal with it."

First, the free agency: According to Howard's camp, the Jazz made a "firm offer" to the eight-year pro, and he is "reviewing and expecting others."

O'Connor said no deal is on the table, but he did acknowledge that Utah is having "serious discussions" with the 6-foot-7 longtime Dallas swingman.

"I haven't made an official offer — no, no, that's incorrect," O'Connor said. "Have we talked about stuff? Yeah. ...

"We've had serious discussions," he added. "There's been nothing formal."

While O'Connor continues to pursue improving the Jazz roster — and he said the team is "going to continue to talk" about potentially acquiring new players — Corbin has his campers knee-deep in running, learning and practicing."