Utah Jazz Trade Rumors

Jazz defend Harris amid trade rumor speculation
January 21
The Deseret News
 
"Devin Harris was sent home from practice Friday morning with the stomach flu. Because of the ailment, the Utah Jazz point guard avoided answering questions about rumors regarding him being on the trading block. Given ample opportunity to assess Harris' season and the former All-Star's struggles, his coach and teammates acted like most people would probably hope their close ones would in a similar situation. The Jazz family — as center Al Jefferson called it — defended Harris to the hilt. "He's fighting his way through it — some good games, some not-so-good games," Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin said. "Like everybody, you're going to go through some ups and downs in this league, and he has to"
Devin Harris is hot topic after Mavs game
January 21
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"Utah Jazz starting point guard Devin Harris was absent from Friday morning's practice, as he was sent home with a stomach virus and deemed a gametime decision for Saturday's matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. To be clear, though, Harris was far and away the dominant topic of conversation. First, there was his dreadful performance against the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night, punctuated by his air ball down the stretch, which seemingly landed in the fifth row. And then, on Friday morning, ESPN's Marc Stein reported that Harris has been squarely on the trading block. His teammates and coach Ty Corbin all came to his defense, saying that he was merely the victim of a bad game and"
Utah Jazz reportedly shopping Devin Harris again
January 20
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"ESPN's Marc Stein reported early Friday the Jazz have been shopping starting point guard Devin Harris since the NBA Development League showcase, which began Jan. 8 in Reno, Nev. The Salt Lake Tribune reported last June that Harris was on the block during the 2011 NBA Draft. The Tribune learned earlier this week nothing was imminent regarding Utah trading any of its players."
Andrei Kirilenko hasn't signed with New Jersey, agent says
December 19
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"Agent Marc Fleisher denied a report Monday former Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko has signed with New Jersey. "Not true," Fleisher told The Salt Lake Tribune."
Josh Howard headed to Utah
December 16
Washington Post
 
"Josh Howard ended an injury-plagued 1½ year stint in Washington on Thursday, agreeing in principle to a one-year deal with the Utah Jazz. Howard played just 22 games with the Wizards after arriving in deal that shipped Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood and DeShawn Stevenson to Dallas at the trade deadline in 2010. Howard tore his anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in his fourth game with the team, then signed a one-year deal to come back. Complications with tendinitis his knee contributed to him moving in and out of the lineup, and averaging a career low 8.4 points on 35.8 percent shooting. "We wish him the best," Wizards General Manager Ernie Grunfeld said. "Unfortunately, we really"
Kirilenko intrigued by the Kings
December 13
Sacramento Bee
 
"Two different sources told me earlier tonight that former Utah Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko, who is currently under contract with CSKA Moscow (but has an out clause effective for 30 days), would seriously consider signing with the Kings if he returns to the NBA. The catch is that the wiry, athletic Kirilenko, a native of St. Petersburg who would be a wonderful complement to a frontline featuring DeMarcus Cousins and John Salmons, is thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to play in his native Russia. Unlike the other NBA players who returned to the United States shortly after the lockout ended, Kirilenko stayed with CSKA. One scenario is that he remains overseas for the shortened season and"
Utah Jazz could meet with Josh Howard, source says; Spurs, Wizards still in running
December 12
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"The Jazz could meet with free agent small forward Josh Howard this week, a source told The Salt Lake Tribune on Monday. Details of the tentative meeting have not been set. Howard is still being pursued by Washington, the source said, and San Antonio has made an offer. New Jersey, Chicago and Denver have also reportedly been interested."
Jazz sign 3 players on the first day of camp, more on the way
December 11
The Deseret News
 
"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"
Wizards' Josh Howard may have offer from Utah Jazz
December 11
Washington Post
 
"Placards for Nick Young, Josh Howard and Maurice Evans continue to hang in the Wizards' locker room, just in case one or all are able to re-sign with the franchise. But as the Wizards held their second day of training camp on Saturday, the three players continue to wait. Howard is considering a "firm offer" from the Utah Jazz, according to a person with knowledge of the negotiations. Jazz General Manager Kevin O'Connor, however, told reporters in Salt Lake City on Saturday that he has engaged in serious discussions with Howard but no formal offer has been extended to the 31-year-old swingman. "I haven't made an official offer, no. That's incorrect," O'Connor said. "Have we talked about"
Earl Watson gets his wish, re-signs with Utah Jazz
December 10
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"Earl Watson was back home. The veteran point guard re-signed with the Jazz on Friday, just a few hours before the start of training camp for the 2011-12 season. The Salt Lake Tribune first reported Watson's signing, which features a two-year guaranteed contract that could keep the 11-year UCLA product in a Utah uniform through 2013. By the way Watson spoke during media day at the team practice facility, it appears he'd be content to one day end his career in Salt Lake City. The Jazz were Watson's first option during free agency, despite drawing sincere interest from Atlanta. After playing in 80 games for Utah last season, successfully backing up starters Devin Harris and Deron Williams,"
Raptors hope to land Pietrus, Forbes
December 10
Toronto Sun
 
"When Bryan Colangelo wants a player, he often gets him, even if it's a few years later. He strongly considered signing Mickael Pietrus back in July of 2007 before instead opting for Jason Kapono and is finally about to get his man. Pietrus will be traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Raptors upon completion of a physical — in exchange for a conditional second-round draft pick — likely protected 31-50 — that probably will never be conveyed. Pietrus, an athletic 29-year-old swingman is owed $5.3 million U.S. in the final year of his deal and will bring Toronto some much-needed depth at small forward. A fully healthy Pietrus — he missed the final 12 games of the 2010-11 season — could usurp"
Jazz expected to sign veteran Jamaal Tinsley
December 8
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"The Jazz are expected to soon sign veteran point guard Jamaal Tinsley, The Salt Lake Tribune has learned. NBA.com's David Aldridge first reported the signing. Tinsley, 33, will enter training camp backing up Utah starter Devin Harris, who is Utah's only point guard under contract. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound Tinsley is an eight-year NBA veteran from Iowa State. He averaged 9.8 points, 6.6 assists and 3.3 rebounds from 2001-10, but did not play in the league last season."
Utah Jazz working on filling at least two roster spots
December 6
The Deseret News
 
"The Utah Jazz need to add at least two players before the upcoming season begins. It remains possible two familiar faces will fill those empty roster spots. The Jazz are engaged in ongoing discussions with the camps of small forward Andrei Kirilenko and point guard Earl Watson, their agents told the Deseret News on Monday. General manager Kevin O'Connor confirmed that he reached out to the former Jazz players on the team-owned radio station, 1320 KFAN. O'Connor, who didn't immediately return calls from the Deseret News, first contacted Utah's current players when allowed Monday morning, he told play-by-play announcer David Locke. The Jazz G.M. then phoned former players who are free"
What should the Jazz do with Paul Millsap?
December 4
Salt Lake Tribune
 columnist Gordon Monson
"For the Jazz, the question ranks right up there with the biggies: "Who are we?" and "Why are we here?" and "Where are we going?" and "Why did Jerry Sloan duck on down a back alley on us in the middle of the season last year?" It's not altogether unrelated. What do we do with Paul Millsap? That's the question of the moment, maybe the question of the season for Kevin O'Connor. If there is a heart and soul to the Jazz, it's 'Sap. In his five seasons as a pro, the power forward has worked his tail off for the club that took him with the 47th pick in 2006. In three of those years, Millsap played in all 82 regular-season games, and in the other two, he played in 76. He's done pretty much"
Earl Watson interested in re-signing with Utah Jazz, source says
December 3
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"Veteran point guard Earl Watson has sincere interest in re-signing with the Jazz, a source told The Salt Lake Tribune on Friday. Watson, 32, will be an unrestricted free agent once the market officially opens Dec. 9. Utah has yet to make contact with Watson since Wednesday, when teams were allowed to begin informal negotiations with agents. The sides are expected to talk during the next few days. Watson re-signing with the Jazz makes sense. Utah will likely add two backup point guards to support starter Devin Harris, and Watson has a firm grasp of the Jazz's offensive and defensive systems. He also enjoyed his 2010-11 run with Utah and living in Salt Lake City."
Ronnie Price wants his old job back with Utah Jazz
December 2
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"Jazz point guard Devin Harris had already run through a light workout, every minor move captured by the zooming lenses of television cameras. Paul Millsap looked stronger and sounded more confident than ever, serving immediate notice that this could be the year the former reserve tweener becomes an All-Star. C.J. Miles said he was 15 pounds lighter, declaring on the first day of informal, voluntary workouts that he wants to be either Utah's starting shooting guard or small forward when the 2011-12 NBA season finally begins. But the day and the moment soon belonged to former Jazzman Ronnie Price. The six-year veteran did not work out due to illness. His 6-foot-2, 187-pound frame barely drew"
In NBA exhibition game, Jazz give glimpse of glory
November 8
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"The Jazz opened the NBA's long-locked doors Monday. Eleven current and former Utah players weren't allowed to wear team colors. Coach Tyrone Corbin didn't pace and bark from the sideline. General manager Kevin O'Connor wasn't watching from his customary midcourt seat inside EnergySolutions Arena. But for a few hours at Salt Lake Community College, an estimated 2,750 basketball fans saw a glimpse of what life is like when their hometown NBA team is actually allowed to play a game."
Andrei Kirilenko signs with Russian team
November 4
The Deseret News
 
"Forget Miami, Andrei Kirilenko is taking his talents — and his tattoo — to Moscow. The Utah Jazz forward will play for his old Russian team, CSKA Moscow, until the NBA lockout comes to a resolution. Kirilenko signed a three-year deal with the team he played for prior to joining the Jazz in 2001. "I am glad to be back to the team where I spent the years of adolescence," Kirilenko said Tuesday from Moscow. "It's a pleasure to have a chance to play for Russian fans, my friends, and relatives. CSKA has a very strong team, great coach, and excellent players. "It's great," he added, "when the highest goals are ahead of you." Kirilenko's contract includes an option that will allow him to play in"
Jazz's Raja Bell says he's looking overseas; discusses state of NBA lockout
November 3
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"Jazz guard Raja Bell said Wednesday he is exploring the option of playing overseas during the NBA lockout. Bell confirmed a statement by his agent Herb Rudoy, who said that, "Nothing is imminent, but we are weighing some opportunities." Rudoy would not reveal the teams or countries his client might play for, and Bell conceded it is still early in the process. However, he acknowledged that Italy, Spain and Israel would be ideal locations. The veteran Jazz guard wants to sign with a good, well-run team instead of getting a paid vacation. "I have two kids, with a third on the way and a family," Bell said. "If I go over there, I'm going to work.""
Jazz's Raja Bell considering overseas options during NBA lockout, agent says
November 2
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"Jazz guard Raja Bell is considering playing overseas during the NBA lockout, agent Herb Rudoy said Wednesday morning. "Nothing is imminent, but we are weighing some opportunities," Rudoy said. Rudoy would not reveal which teams or countries Bell might play for."
Andrei Kirilenko signs three-year contract with Russia's CSKA, agent says
October 4
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"Agent Marc Fleisher informed The Salt Lake Tribune early Tuesday morning that NBA veteran forward Andrei Kirilenko has signed a three-year contract with professional Russian basketball team CSKA. The Tribune reported Sept. 29 that Kirilenko was still talking with a few international basketball teams if the NBA lockout continued. Kirilenko's deal with CSKA contains an out clause that will allow him to return to the NBA as soon as the three-month work stoppage ends. In addition, the CSKA contract features an out at the end of every season."
Utah Jazz: Favors muscles up during NBA lockout
September 23
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"Just before the NBA locked its doors July 1, the Jazz made a last-minute trip to Atlanta to check in on a special assignment. Utah power forward Derrick Favors did all the right things toward the end of the 2010-11 season, averaging 9.6 points and 6.7 rebounds during April as he began to deliver on the promise of being the No. 3 overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft. The Atlanta native also said all the right things during his April 14 exit interview, assuring Utah coach Tyrone Corbin and general manager Kevin O' Connor that no matter how long the league's work stoppage dragged on, he'd be primed and ready to go as soon as he received a call informing him that it was safe to return to the"
Utah Jazz forward Jeremy Evans stars in Vegas league
September 15
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"Take away the near-empty stands and anonymous uniforms, and it appeared that nothing had changed for Jazz forward Jeremy Evans. Utah's human pogo stick effortlessly bounced off the hardwood, gliding through the air and driving home putback dunks. He played dead at the top of the key, serving as a temporary decoy before breaking free and sprinting toward the rim for one of his trademark alley-oop slams. There were even touch passes that saw Evans briefly catch the ball with his fingertips, then swing it outward as he set up an open teammate on the perimeter. Evans was nearly in regular-season form. As if the NBA lockout was a bad dream, and his two-week participation in the Impact"
NBA wants 3rd round in draft
September 7
SheridanHoops.com
 
"After an overnight flight connecting through Helsinki, Finland, I bumped into a scout for the Denver Nuggets near the tourist information booth at the quaint little airport here where the second round of EuroBasket is taking place. Whether he knows it or not, he may be here scouting future third-round draft picks. That's right: Third round. SheridanHoops.com has learned that NBA owners have proposed adding a third round to the annual draft, a proposal that the players' union has countered by offering an array of changes to the draft that would help address the owners' desire for more competitive balance."
NBA Lockout Update: Sides are closer than they're saying
September 6
SheridanHoops.com
 
"Here's the dirty little secret about the NBA lockout, despite what both sides — the owners and the players — would have you believe: They are a lot closer to a settlement than most people realize. I know this because I talk regularly with a bunch of important people who tell me important things, and I am going to explain why I believe a settlement will be reached that will not only save the season, but also enable the NBA to have an "all is forgiven" honeymoon period (similar to what the NFL just experienced following its labor settlement) in which the frenzy of free agents signings, trades, training camps and exhibition games will make everyone forget all of the doomsday talk they've been"
Next bargaining session coming early September?
August 17
CBSSports.com
 
"It took 46 days for the NBA and its players' union after the lockout began July 1. It didn't go all that well. Rhetoric from both sides ramped up, lawsuits started flying around and most importantly, there wasn't any movement towards the middle. Then David Stern accused the union of cancelling a meeting last week with the union responding that Billy Hunter had been told Stern wasn't going to be available for two weeks. So as you can tell, this is all going just super. But they're finally going to try again sometime in early September, according to Newsday. At this point, the union will host an executive meeting in New York at the end of August. The anticipation is the union and league"
David Stern: NBA to look at contraction
August 15
CBSSports.com
 
"The NBA currently has thirty teams, but the league's commissioner, David Stern, seems open to the possibility that that number of franchises could shrink in the future. Speaking on an ESPN.com podcast, Stern stated that there is some interest in contraction from both the league and players sides and that the subject will be picked up after the current Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations are completed. "[Contraction] is not a subect that we're against," Stern said. "In fact, when you talk about revenue sharing, a number of teams have said that if you have a team that is perpetually going to be a recipient, aren't you better off with the ability to buy them in? Because between the"
Turkish team won't sign Jazz center Mehmet Okur, official says
August 7
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"Utah Jazz center Memo Okur will not sign with Fenerbahce Ulker, an Istanbul-based professional club in his native Turkey. The team's general manager denied reports Saturday that his club was pursuing Okur. Aydin Ors told Salsabasket.net, a basketball website in Turkey, that Fenerbahce Ulker wasn't planning to sign any new players. Hours earlier, website MixBasket reported that Fenerbahce Ulker and Okur were negotiating a one-year contract, which would have included an opt-out clause in case the NBA lockout is settled. Attempts to contact Okur's agent, Marc Fleisher, were unsuccessful Saturday. Since being taken in the second round of the 2001 draft by Detroit, Okur has played nine NBA"
Fesenko close to deal with Ukrainian team
July 26
The Deseret News
 
"Center Kyrylo Fesenko is no longer under contract with the Utah Jazz, but the Ukrainian might have a new team soon. The 7-foot-1 big man is reportedly close to signing a deal to play on a team in his native land. According to the club's website, Ukrainian club Dnipro and Fesenko are working out a contract for the center to return home to play professionally. Terms of the potential deal were not announced."
Spain's best team can't afford Andrei Kirilenko
July 9
Yahoo! Sports
 
"This is what Andrei Kirilenko(notes) would like to think, at least. Because a team in Spain just turned down his request to play for it for a smidge over the NBA's average salary. The former do-it-all Jazz forward and current free agent can't really ply his free-agent trade with any NBA teams this month, due to said NBA teams locking out their players. And though Kirilenko isn't exactly hard up for cash, he is a 30-year-old do-it-all forward that is in his athletic prime that wants to play basketball in a few months. And, according to most estimates, he won't be able to do as such in the NBA this fall. Or even early winter. Bugger. So why not play for the famed Real Madrid club, out of"
It only gets harder for owners, players; owners expected to push for $45 million hard cap
June 30
San Antonio Express-News
 columnist Mike Monroe
"The NBA's Board of Governors met Tuesday in Dallas and heard a report on collective bargaining from Spurs owner Peter Holt, chairman of its labor relations committee. The league wouldn't reveal if the board officially authorized locking out the players once the clock strikes midnight Thursday, the end of the collective bargaining agreement that's been in place since 2005, but it doesn't matter. As commissioner David Stern has warned already, such a vote is a mere formality and can be conducted by any means at any time. The first lockout authorization via text message may be mere hours away. Holt's committee will meet with the negotiating committee of the National Basketball Player's"
Jazz pick up options on C.J. Miles, Derrick Favors and Gordon Hayward
June 30
The Deseret News
 
"The Utah Jazz announced Wednesday that the team has elected to exercise its fourth-year team option on guard/forward C.J. Miles' contract for the 2011-12 season, as well as the rookie contract options for forwards Derrick Favors and Gordon Hayward for the 2012-13 season. Miles, a six-year NBA veteran, appeared in 78 games (19 starts) for the Jazz in 2010-11, which he was used primarily as a sixth man off the bench. The 6-foot-6 swingman averaged career-highs in points (12.8), rebounds (3.3), assists (1.7) and minutes played (25.2) last season and improved in all four categories for the fourth straight year, although his field goal percentage (40.7) and 3-point shooting percentage (32.2)"
Utah Jazz select a Turk and Burks
June 24
The Deseret News
 columnist Brad Rock
"No Jimmer. But the Jazz did get an Undertaker. The most anticipated draft in Jazz history ended early Thursday in a mixture of cheers and boos at the team's selection party at EnergySolutions Arena. But unlike the years when fans booed Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor for his picks, this time it was more complicated. The commotion came even before the Jazz made their second pick of the night. When Sacramento acquired BYU's Jimmer Fredette at No. 10, you could see the dollars — all those replica jerseys — flying west. Two picks later the Jazz took Alec Burks from Colorado. Before that, the Jazz had selected 6-foot-11 inch center Enes Kanter from Turkey at No. 3. Yes, they already have"
You can never have enough big men, says Kevin O'Connor
June 24
The Deseret News
 
"With the selection of 6-foot-11 Turkish big man Enes Kanter in Thursday night's NBA Draft, the Utah Jazz may seem to have an abundance of big men. After all, with Al Jefferson, Derrick Favors, Paul Millsap and Mehmet Okur already vying for minutes at the center and power forward positions, the Jazz seem to have a logjam of bigs that wouldn't offer much playing time to the incoming rookie. But Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor doesn't see it that way. "It's like starting pitching. You can't get enough of that," O'Connor said. "Big guys are tough to come by. We certainly moved Paul over to play some 3 (small forward) at times, and we play (against) big lineups like the Lakers and some of"
Utah Jazz select Alec Burks with 12th pick
June 24
The Deseret News
 
"No point guard. No trades. No problem. After months of rumors and projections and speculation over what the Jazz might do with their second lottery pick, Utah general manager Kevin O'Connor walked to the podium at EnergySolutions Arena and announced that former Colorado standout Alec Burks would be coming to Salt Lake City. And though the people's choice — former BYU star Jimmer Fredette — would already be taken with the No. 10 pick, the Jazz organization and fans seemed content to welcome the athletic two-guard at No. 12. "We like his versatility," O'Connor said. "I think the key was that we were very comfortable with him. We had a lot of offers to trade and do that kind of stuff. But I"
Utah Jazz select Enes Kanter with third pick
June 24
The Deseret News
 
"Most of the Utah Jazz fans who were in attendance Thursday evening got their wish in the 2011 NBA Draft. But all those Jimmer fans sure didn't. Much to the approval of a large, vocal crowd at EnergySolutions Arena, Utah selected fan favorite Enes Kanter, a 6-foot-11, 260-pound center from Turkey, with the third pick in Thursday night's annual draft. But after Jimmer Fredette, the former BYU star turned national phenomenon, was taken with the 10th pick by Milwaukee, which sent the Cougars' favorite son and folk hero to the Sacramento Kings in a three-team, draft-day deal, the Jazz took ex-Colorado shooting guard Alec Burks with the 12th pick. Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor seemed"
Wizards trading up to snag Kanter?
June 23
Yahoo! Sports
 
"The Washington Wizards have two picks in the NBA draft's first round at No. 6 and No. 18. The word is that the team could use the first one to take 6-11 21-year-old Czech native Jan Vesely, who won the FIBA Europe Young Men's Player of the Year Award in 2010. But Sports Illustrated is reporting that the team is also trying to trade the two picks so it can get a little higher in the draft, preferably in the top three."
Enes Kanter vs. Brandon Knight as Jazz face future
June 23
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"The resignations of Jerry Sloan and Phil Johnson ignited the Jazz's change. The trade of Deron Williams highlighted it. Tyrone Corbin's promotion and the late-season ascension of rookies Gordon Hayward and Derrick Favors accelerated it. But the true mark of Utah's movement from the past to the future will be made Thursday, as the Jazz decide how to best utilize the Nos. 3 and 12 picks in the 2011 NBA Draft. Enes Kanter or Brandon Knight? Jimmer Fredette, Alec Burks, Klay Thompson or Chris Singleton? Another unexpected blockbuster trade or a faithful adherence to a carefully planned script? It's decision time for Utah. The future has arrived. The most important draft in franchise history is"
Whomever Utah Jazz draft, he won't be a lifer
June 23
The Deseret News
 columnist Brad Rock
"Barring any last-minute hocus-pocus, the Jazz will pick third in Thursday's NBA Draft, which means the odds are good they'll acquire a fine player. It could be the next Michael Jordan, the No. 3 pick in the 1984 draft. It could also be the next Benoit Benjamin, the No. 3 pick the following year. Big Ben is the guy who arrived for camp 37 pounds overweight and brought two left shoes on a road trip. The only thing I'm fairly certain of is that the third pick won't permanently be staying in Utah. The Jazz's most likely choice is Kentucky's Brandon Knight, yet rumors claim he doesn't want to play here. He denied that when he was in town for a workout. Either way, Salt Lake isn't likely to be"
Heat on Jazz to make right pick at No. 3
June 23
The Deseret News
 
"The pressure's on. The Utah Jazz have the No. 3 pick in tonight's annual NBA Draft, plus the No. 12 selection. Most folks figure this draft could conceivably hold the key in the franchise's quest to become a strong playoff contender again after they staggered to a 39-43 finish last season and missed postseason play for just the fourth time since 1984. After all, the last time the Jazz held the third draft pick, in 2005, they selected point guard Deron Williams. And, after Utah missed the playoffs from 2004-2006, Williams emerged as a star who helped the Jazz return to the NBA's postseason party from 2007-09. They're hoping the players they get with tonight's two top-12 picks might have the"
Kyrie Irving, Derrick Williams hold court on eve of turning professional
June 23
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"After an hour of interviews and seemingly endless questions about the draft order, post-draft plans and the possibility of a lockout, Duke point guard Kyrie Irving and Arizona forward Derrick Williams got back to where they're most comfortable -- the basketball court. Irving and Williams, players the Cavaliers are thought to be considering with the No. 1 pick in today's NBA Draft, led a contingent of draft hopefuls onto the courts at John Jay College for a clinic with 60 Special Olympians as part of the NBA Cares Community Caravan. It was hard to tell who enjoyed it more -- the draft hopefuls or the Special Olympians. "Not everybody wants to wear a suit all day," a grinning Williams said."
Could George Hill be the Spurs guard to be swapped?
June 23
San Antonio Express-News
 
"Multiple reports are indicating that the Spurs have offered George Hill to a variety of teams for a pick at the end of the lottery. The Draft Express' Jonathan Givony tweeted today that Hill has been offered to Milwaukee (No. 10), Golden State (No. 11) and Utah (No. 12) for their first-round picks. Those picks would put the Spurs in position to pick a player who reportedly has caught their eye in recent days — 6-foot-7 Washington State guard Klay Thompson."
Pace is picking up for UConn's Walker
June 22
Boston Globe
 
"The Internet has a way of sucking in Kemba Walker. He tries not to pay attention to the predraft noise. But whenever he flips his computer open, he can't resist. "I just go on different websites, and sometimes I just happen to go on a draft site, just to see,'' said the University of Connecticut guard. The opinions are all over the place."
Utah Jazz: Can the third pick be the charm?
June 22
The Deseret News
 
"Christmas could come about six months early for Utah Jazz fans this year, who are anxiously waiting to see what Santa Claus (or Kevin O'Connor) might be bringing them in the 2011 NBA Draft Thursday night. Utah has the third and 12th picks in this year's highly anticipated draft, which is being hailed as the most important one ever in Jazz franchise history. And it just might be. But before fans get all giddy about the prospects of landing a couple of gigantic difference-makers that'll soon turn this team into an instant NBA title contender, let's take a look at the type of player that's been picked at No. 3 over the last four decades. Of course, whenever you talk about No. 3 draft picks,"
Utah considering Knight and Kanter
June 21
CBSSports.com
 
"The Jazz and Kentucky point guard Brandon Knight are a sensible match with the third pick, as Utah looks to replace the gaping hole left by the trade of Deron Williams to the Nets. Some execs have gotten indications that Utah also is considering Enes Kanter."
Alec Burks, Klay Thompson work out in Jazz's final audition
June 21
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"Colorado's Alec Burks and Washington State's Klay Thompson are projected lottery picks in the NBA Draft. They play the same position and will likely be taken in the 7-14 range of the first round. And Burks and Thompson both worked out for the Jazz on Monday, though neither apparently dominated. Asked who won their head-to-head battle, Burks said, "He's going to say himself, and I'm going to say myself. So that question, I don't know how to answer." Burks is a slashing-type guard who has spent his workouts trying to prove he can consistently make jumpers. Thompson is a shooter trying to show teams he is athletic enough to put the ball on the floor and defend. Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin was"
Utah Jazz in a jam when it comes to drafting Jimmer Fredette
June 21
The Deseret News
 
"Jimmer Fredette has his own reality show, a song that's amassed nearly a million YouTube views and a legion of followers. He also has a legion of detractors, making him possibly the most polarizing player in this year's NBA Draft. Caught in the middle are the Utah Jazz, who with two first-round picks very well may be in position to pull the trigger at No. 12 and draft the BYU sharpshooter turned national sensation. The question is should they and will they? "I don't envy Kevin O'Connor on this one," Steve Kerr, a former NBA player and Phoenix Suns executive, said of the Jazz general manager. "If they don't take him and he blows up and is really good, that's a problem. Now they're the team"
Alec Burks, Klay Thompson strut their stuff for Jazz brass
June 21
The Deseret News
 
"It's been a given two subjects would be brought up — by NBA teams and media — everywhere Klay Thompson went during his pre-draft tour. His hoops heritage, for one thing, which is to be expected when your dad is a former successful pro basketball player with three NBA championship rings. And the other sure-bet topic for Mychal Thompson's son? The Washington State shooting guard's well-publicized run-in with the law this past spring. In March, Klay Thompson was cited for marijuana possession near the Cougars' campus — a blight that resulted in a one-game suspension, plenty of embarrassment and a learning opportunity. Both subjects were talking points for Thompson, a potential lottery pick,"
Kevin O'Connor says no Jazz players off-limits for trades
June 21
The Deseret News
 
"It was long assumed that Deron Williams was one of the players the Jazz would never trade. That obviously changed in February, when Utah shipped the All-Star point guard to New Jersey in a shocking blockbuster deal. In recent days, a few of the Jazz's top players, including Al Jefferson, Paul Millsap and Devin Harris, have been associated with trade rumors. It's unknown whether any deals involving those three players will go down, but even hearing their names in trade rumors begs the question if anybody on the team is untouchable a la Karl Malone and John Stockton. Kevin O'Connor's response to that question? "Greg Miller," the Jazz general manager quipped. While media members chuckled,"