Boozer expects Jazz to trade him soon
Star says team agreed to work out deal that benefits both sides
 Otto Greule Jr / Getty Images Just two weeks ago, Carlos Boozer opted to remain with the Jazz for the final year of his contract. |
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SALT LAKE CITY - Carlos Boozer doesn’t expect to be playing for the Utah Jazz this season.
Just two weeks ago, Boozer opted to remain with the Jazz for the final year of his contract. But the two-time All-Star told a Chicago radio station Tuesday he expects the Jazz to trade him.
“The Jazz told me they want to go in a different direction and I respect their decision,” Boozer said Tuesday during an interview with WMVP. “We mutually agreed to work out a trade that was beneficial for them and beneficial for my family and me. So with that being said I’m gonna be traded relatively soon or in good time.”
Jazz general manager Kevin O’Connor did not return messages seeking comment Tuesday.
Boozer had an option to void the final year of his contract, but decided on the final day to stay with the Jazz for the guaranteed $12.7 million rather than risk losing money in a tight free agent market.
The Jazz already appear headed above the luxury tax threshold, especially if they match Portland’s four-year, $32 million — including $10.3 million up front — offer to restricted free agent Paul Millsap. Utah has until the end of the week to decide whether to keep Millsap.
Boozer has averaged 19 points and 10 rebounds since Utah signed him as a restricted free agent five years ago, but has only played in 276 of a possible 410 games with the Jazz. He was limited to 37 games last season, due largely to an injury that required surgery on his left knee in January.
“I’ve had a couple of spells, injuries that I can’t control but my body feels 100 percent,” Boozer told WMVP. “I’m healthy and doing really well. I’m looking forward to next season so much to prove to everybody that I can play through the whole season and at the same time to dominate again, so I’m looking forward to it.”
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