Utah Jazz notes: Deron's deal not done — but it's getting closer
Could happen anytime now.
The details, dotted Is and crossed Ts may be signed, sealed and delivered at a moment's notice.
But, for now, Deron Williams' contract extension with the Jazz still needs an assist before it becomes a slam dunk.
Williams hopes that will happen before Saturday, when he leaves Salt Lake City to hook up with Team USA in advance of next month's Beijing Olympics.
He and the Jazz won't disclose how much they are apart in dollars and/or years — or how much/how long either side wants, for that matter — but a maximum extension could pay Williams nearly $90 million and keep the point guard in Utah for another five years after the 2008-09 season.
"Everybody's still working, I can report," Williams' agent, Bob McClaren, said Monday from his Houston office. "Everybody's very committed to trying to put a deal together, and we're all working toward that end.
"Yeah," he added, "I think we've made progress every day."
McClaren again wouldn't say if his client is open to max years, or if Williams is looking to emulate New Orleans point Chris Paul and opt for a shorter three- or four-year deal with an additional player-option season.
Even if an accord isn't reached this week, McClaren suggested that wouldn't necessarily indicate a deal wouldn't happen before a league-designated Oct. 31 deadline.
"That's still the goal," he said of wrapping up the contract this week. "And if we don't do that, it slows us down but doesn't mean we can't all work at it."
McClaren said he keeps in constant contact with Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor.
He hasn't personally spoken recently with Jazz owner Larry H. Miller, who's been hospitalized for complications from diabetes for about a month now. But he indicated Miller and O'Connor speak often about Williams' situation.
A busy travel month — Williams vacationed in Mexico and McClaren has been on the road — has been one issue to overcome, the agent said.
"Again, I think we've made progress every day," McClaren said, "and we're all working toward the goal of an extension."
O'Connor on Monday had no comment regarding the progress of negotiations with Williams.
HAPPY HOMECOMING: Britton Johnsen isn't sure he'll land a spot on the Jazz's regular-season roster, but the former University of Utah and Murray High star is excited to get an opportunity to play with their summer-league team.
"I like being here," he said. "It's fun for me because it's my hometown and it's a very disciplined system as well."
Recent comments
Dwill is going to sign a 3year and with opt out option for 4th. Utah...
TK 1 | July 17, 2008 at 2:22 p.m.
i almost vomited in my mouth when i read the name ostertag!!!
...
Anonymous | July 15, 2008 at 8:53 p.m.
It's pretty obvious waht going on.
Deron wants a short...
Bigjassfan | July 15, 2008 at 5:32 p.m.
