Did anyone else hear the discussion on 1280 the other day? The argument was basically that the Jazz are likely better off not taking back significant contracts (if any) for Boozer as well as not re-signing Korver and letting AK's deal expire next year. They would have lots of young talent and enough room to go after someone like Horford or Marc Gasol.
I would much rather see something like this happen than be stuck with Gortat's deal and role players that don't get us anywhere but a first round exit.
It's not rocket science. Miller doesn't have an extra $25M-$30M to allow the Jazz to carry a payroll in the low-to mid $80's (with the tax threshold expected to be about $68M).
Sign Boozer, or take back significant salary and AK HAS to be dumped. And dumping salary is EXTREMELY difficult and costly. Remember, it cost us a 1st rounder to dump Harp's contract. And OKC had very little actual cash flow for Matty - it was mostly covered by insurance.
Don't sign Boozer and we can do whatever we want at the deadline with AK's expiring. If the Jazz take back $17M in longer-term contracts they could do it.
Or, I guess we could try to sign a FA. But we wouldn't have the full $17M. There's about a $10M spread between the tax threshold and the salary cap. Wiping AK off the books probably gets the team about $10K under the cap (assuming Boozer, Korver walk, the Jazz re-sign Matthews and Fes and fill the roster with mimimum salary vets or rookies).
Of course there will be additional roster holds next season for the Jazz draft picks and the exceptions. A lot of other factors come into play, but I'm guessing the Jazz could perhaps clear $10M-$12M in cap space.
I think the much better bet is to try to trade AK's expiring for a starter or good 6th-man with 2-3 years remaining on their contracts. Jazz would probably be able to get other assets in the deal, like an additional backup player or draft picks. Otherwise you may find yourself at the dance with no partners wanting to hook up (or only the ones you really don't want).
