<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> The Jazz reached out to Toronto's Morris Peterson in the opening minutes of the free-agent negotiating period Saturday night, and Peterson is said to have Utah first on his list of preferred destinations, a source said Sunday. Peterson would fill the Jazz's needs for a three-point shooter and perimeter defender, though he also would add to the team's congestion of players at the shooting guard and small forward positions. Peterson, who turns 30 on Aug. 26, played seven seasons with the Raptors and was a full-time starter until this season. He would come to the Jazz with the intention of starting at shooting guard, a job held by four different players this season. In addition to the Jazz, Peterson received interest from Miami, New Orleans, Golden State, Sacramento and Cleveland at the start of the negotiating period. The Jazz also called to express interest in New Jersey center Mikki Moore, who played for Utah in the 2003-04 season, as well as Dallas forward Devean George, Miami forward James Posey and Nets guard Eddie House, according to agent Mark Bartelstein. </div> <div align="center">Source: Salt Lake Tribune</div>
If we land Mo Pete, that would be a huge catch but also defeat drafting Almond over Splitter. It would make an overload at SG/SF for sure and probably mean that Giricek or AK will definitely get traded.
Peterson would be a nice addition, who should improve the team. He's got experience, which the Jazz don't have at shooting guard, and would probably start. He had far from his best season in 06-07, but a change of team could help him. This wouldn't help the logjam at shooting guard though. The Jazz should look to trade Giricek for the third point guard they're now after with Fisher gone, if they can sign Peterson.
Report says Jazz a front-runner to sign Peterson <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">A Cleveland newspaper reported Friday that the Jazz are one of the top contenders to land Toronto free-agent swingman Mo Peterson. The Cleveland Cavaliers had been among several teams with supposed interest in the seven-season veteran from Michigan State, but The Plain Dealer reports that now "it appears Peterson will not play with the Cavs next season." According to the Cleveland paper, "the Jazz and the New Orleans Hornets have become the front-runners." Peterson, a potential successor to the departing Derek Fisher as Utah's starting shooting guard, is expected to be in town beginning Sunday for a visit with Jazz brass.</div> <div align="center">Source: Deseret News</div>
Mo Pete would be great for the Jazz. Since you guys are trying to win now, Mo Pete would come provide immediate scoring, perimeter shooting, and defense. Mo Pete doesn't have the championship and playoff experience of Fisher but has more height and could probably defend better at the 2 guard position. Ronnie Brewer will probably get a little more time and continue to develop while sharing minutes with Giricek, who only played 17 games last season. Morris Almond probably won't play much cause Sloan doesn't play rookies.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Toronto Raptors free agent forward Morris Peterson is scheduled to meet Monday with the Utah Jazz. "I'm going to their facility (Monday morning) to talk with ownership, general manager Kevin O'Connor and people on the coaching staff and in the front office," Peterson said. "Since I have some control as a free agent, I really want to play with a winner, like the Jazz, and with a team that believes in me." </div> Source: The Toronto Star If he comes here, you guys are luckey, he was great for us, a solid defender and great shooter.
If the Jazz don't get Peterson and can't acquire another shooting guard they like, Giricek should be staying around another season. At the moment, he's the only shooting guard on the roster who has consistently got off the bench in his career. The Jazz like Brewer, but it's a huge risk trading Giricek and relying on someone who appeared in 56 games last season to start full time in Brewer. He may not be the greatest shooting guard or Sloan's favourite, but you can be reasonably confident about what you'll get out of Giricek.
Peterson may base final decision on dollars <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The almighty dollar could ultimately determine whether or not former Toronto Raptors swingman Morris Peterson plays in Utah. So Jazz coach Jerry Sloan seemed to suggest Wednesday, the first full day this summer that NBA free agents are permitted to sign new contracts. "I don't have any idea," Sloan said when asked if he expects to soon see Peterson in a Jazz uniform. "I never know just from sitting and talking with a player, and him asking questions, what his thoughts are ? because I don't get involved in the money part of it," added Sloan, who leaves such negotiations to basketball operations senior vice president Kevin O'Connor. "Everybody tells you they'd like to play ? until it comes down to the money part." Peterson and his agent are thought to be seeking full midlevel team payroll salary cap exception money and terms ? a five-year contract starting at $5.356 million next season and worth about $32 million in total. The Jazz are believed to want to pay less than that, in part so they can address other needs with the rest of their midlevel money.</div> <div align="center">Source: Deseret News</div>
Well, I think that is worth Mo Pete. He is a great player, who can bring it every night on both ends of the floor. The Jazz can only get better with this guy, so it would be a good signing for the Jazz. Even if it might take up all the MLE.
Kevin O'Connor would be reluctant to give Peterson the full MLE, but it could happen. Peterson would fill needs for the Jazz, and not signing him should leave a big weakness at shooting guard. It's a different situation, but KOC did give in to giving Kirilenko the max to keep him on the roster.
