Utah Jazz emerge as a potential third party in Lamar Odom deal - NBA Report
The possible three way trade surrounding Dallas Mavericks Lamar Odom and Los Angeles Clippers Mo Williams is finally coming together.
According to the sources Utah Jazz has emerged as the third interested party and have shown interest in acquiring Mo Williams.
However the finalization of the deal depends upon Williams’ $8.5 million player option for the next season. The proposed deal will rejoin Lamar with his team that drafted him and Clippers in return will send Williams to Jazz -
also the team that drafted Mo in 2003. Jazz would then have to send a trade exception to Mavs.
According to ESPN;
“Sources told ESPN.com that the Jazz are willing to take on Mo Williams in a three-team trade scenario that would send Odom to the Clippers and enable the Mavericks to shed Odom’s salary without taking back any salary”.
Mavs acquired Odom in 2011 from Los Angeles Lakers, but he had a rocky season, averaging just 6.6 points and 4.2 boards. His lethargic performance earned him an altercation with Mark Cuban and as a consequent he was listed inactive
for the remainder of the season.
The franchise owes him $8.2 million in the next season, and if they couldn’t trade him prior to Friday than Dallas will have to buy him out for $ 2.4 million, and Odom will become a free agent.
However Williams’ $8.5 million option for the 2012-13 season is the biggest hurdle in this trade. With Jazz in the loop, it can however be hoped that they will trade in their former player. Utah has the capacity to absorb Mo’s
salary without trading any player to Mavs. They can use the trade exception that they acquired after sending Mehmet Okur to New Jersey Nets last season.
Williams, in his last season with Clips averaged 13.2 points and 3.1 assists in 52 games. He has established himself as a seasoned floor manager. Moreover his Agent Mark Bartelstein reiterated that Williams will play as a starting
point guard.
This makes the whole situation a bit complicated, as Jazz already have Devin Harris at point guard. They acquired him from Nets last season by sending Mo in return. Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin was all praise for Williams but he also
hinted that Mo’s niche is not with them at this point.
“He's a great player. We drafted him here. Until something else happens, that's all I want to say about it.”
Nevertheless Utah’s front office on another occasion speaking to APP said that they can work out with both Harris and Williams.
Williams’ agent Mark told ESPN, that they both are looking into multiple options and the findings will be disclosed in a couple of days.
“Mo and I are looking at a lot of different things right now. He'll make his decision in the next day or two."
Tags: