Boozer reiterates desire to remain in Utah

[DelaneyRudd]

http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_ ... ree-agency

A lot of teams out there expected to do something. Someone like Chicago, New Jersey, Sacramento will be willing to overpay for Boozer.

[DelaneyRudd]

Minnesota Timberwolves: $35.17 million in 2010-11 payroll
Minnesota barely squeezes onto our list and they don't land here without a bunch of disclaimers. That number above represents the eight players Minnesota has under contract for the 2010-11 season, but doesn't include their boatload of first-round picks -- and Ricky Rubio, who will go back onto the Timberwolves' cap number next season. Those draft picks, each protected at a different level, amount to more than $7 million in salary commitments. Minnesota would have to perform some serious budgetary gymnastics to be eligible to extend a max contract to a free agent. They could opt to sell or move their picks, or ship some talent to a team with a trade exception. It'll be tough. Still, with all their young assets, draft picks and cap space, the Timberwolves figure to be legitimate players in the marketplace this summer, even if they can't nab a max player.

If we lose out on Boozer, trade exception for Ryan Gomes. I like it.

[outerspacefella]

I'm not sure about teams throwing max contracts to players not named James, Wade or (may be) Bosh; new CBA proccess will ultimately make front offices to take a deep breath and just be carefull with the money they put out there this summer...
That said, Boozer's been playing max; he's been showing he can carry his team in his shoulders, and his attitude, poise and verbal presence have been pretty impressive.
Sloan wants him, Williams says he's the guy setting the tone on and off the court, his teammates trust him, chemistry is at its highest level since the John and karl era. Jazz' going to fight for him...

[DelaneyRudd]

Teams talk about restraint up until it's time to lose out on getting someone.