Al Jefferson won’t discuss potential free agency locations during the year, maintaining his commitment to the Utah Jazz as long as he’s playing for them
Al Jefferson avoids free agent rumor pit
Al Jefferson will be one of the biggest free agents in the 2013 class, but the center won’t say whether he’s thinking about leaving the Utah Jazz.
Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
When asked if the Dallas Mavericks could be an enticing destination before the team’s game Monday against the Jazz, he wouldn’t reveal his plans for after the year with his answer:
"The only team I’m looking at right now is the Utah Jazz as a good fit," Jefferson said, "because it’s the team I’m with right now. I don’t think outside of the box like that."
Jefferson is averaging 16.7 points and 9.8 rebounds, numbers that would once again be in line for a huge contract. Currently, he’s playing the last year of a five year, $65-million deal he signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves before he was traded to Utah. This year, the eighth-year center will make $15 million, a few million short of a maximum contract. His shooting numbers are a bit down this year - he’d never shot below 49 percent from the field, he’s at 47 percent right now - but he’s still a force as a scorer and on the glass.
There’s a few players in this year’s free agency class that will certainly get max deals, but it’s not clear how many will leave their current team. Chris Paul and Dwight Howard are both pleased in Los Angeles, with Howard wrangling his way out of Orlando to land with the Lakers.That means Jefferson might be the biggest name on the open market this summer. Andrew Bynum is also an unrestricted free agent at the center spot, but his knees make him a worrisome target.
The Jazz will also try to bring back Paul Millsap, who will be an unrestricted free agent this year.
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