Utah Jazz free agent Al Jefferson is looking for a four-year deal in excess of $60 million, according to ESPN's Chris Broussard.
Al Jefferson seeking 4-year deal in excess of $60 million, according to report
Al Jefferson wants a four-year deal starting at about $15 million per season, and the Bobcats have been in hot pursuit.
The Charlotte Bobcats are in hot pursuit of Jefferson, and Broussard reports that the 28-year-old big man spent the last day and a half with them. However, Jefferson may wait until Dwight Howard makes his decision, because he's hoping that the Dallas Mavericks will make an offer if Howard doesn't choose the Mavs as his destination.
Jefferson was productive for the Jazz last year, averaging 17.8 points and 9.2 rebounds. Jefferson has consistently provided low-post scoring and solid rebounding over the course of his career, but his problem lies on defense. For all the points that Jefferson scores, he often gives them right back on the other end.
Because of Jefferson's defensive woes, paying him $15 million a year over the next four years could be a risky proposition, though that is the same salary he earned last year as a member of the Jazz. It would be also be an odd signing for a Bobcats team that could be better served by having a chance at a top pick in the loaded 2014 NBA Draft rather than being just good enough to be mediocre.
Furthermore, the Bobcats have Bismack Biyombo and the recently drafted Cody Zeller in place up front, so letting them develop may be a better course of action.
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