http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/basketball/nba/07/08/bc.bkn.jazz.boozer.ap/index.html "SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Carlos Boozer changed his mind, much to the dismay of the Cleveland Cavaliers and the absolute delight of the Utah Jazz. Boozer, a restricted free agent, said just last week that he planned to stay with the team that drafted him two years ago as a junior out of Duke. But on Thursday, the Jazz said they had a deal in place to bring Boozer to Utah. "We've reached an agreement for an offer sheet to be delivered on July 14," said Kevin O'Connor, the team's vice president for basketball operations. O'Connor said Boozer planned to sign the offer, but would not elaborate. The deal could be a huge addition for the Jazz, who never developed much inside scoring last season after Karl Malone left as a free agent. But it could be an even bigger loss for the Cavaliers, who planned to use Boozer as a cornerstone along with Rookie of the Year LeBron James in building the Cavaliers into an Eastern Conference power. If Boozer signs the offer July 14, Cleveland will have 15 days to match it. Cleveland did not pick up the third-year option on Boozer, planning to sign him to a long-term deal next week. But by not picking up the option, Boozer became fair game for other teams. The Cavaliers thought it was worth the risk because of Boozer's word that he would stay in with the team that drafted him in the second round of the 2002 draft. The Cavs issued a brief statement after hearing of the potential deal with Utah. "Our actions have been based upon what Carlos told us he wanted. This was also entirely consistent with his public statements in the media July 1," said the statement from general manager Jim Paxson and owner Gordon Gund. "We are both very surprised and very disappointed by what is now being reported." Messages left with Boozer and agent Rob Pelinka were not immediately returned Thursday. Just last week, Boozer told The Associated Press he planned to sign a deal with Cleveland. "I like it here," he said. "My wife and I are very, very happy here, and I want to be with the Cavaliers. Good things are happening. "Now, it's up to my agent and the Cavs to work things out. I hope they will." They will, but the question now is for who? Boozer is coming off a breakout season -- averaging 15.5 points and 11.4 rebounds. The Jazz saw firsthand what he's capable of in January, when had 32 points and 18 rebounds in a 102-96 overtime victory in Salt Lake City. Boozer scored 10 points in the overtime to lead the Cavs, who won despite losing James to a twisted ankle at the end of the fourth quarter. Boozer also was added Thursday to the U.S. Olympic team. Cleveland does not have the money under the salary cap to match the offer for Boozer. If Cleveland doesn't match the offer -- which ESPN.com reported to be for six years and $68 million -- the Jazz could go from struggling inside last season to a team deep with size and power. Utah got a verbal agreement Monday from restricted free agent center Mehmet Okur, who still can be retained by the Detroit Pistons. But Pistons president Joe Dumars has said it will be difficult to keep both Okur and re-sign unrestricted free agent Rasheed Wallace. Utah's front line could include All-Star forward Andrei Kirilenko, Matt Harpring, Boozer, Okur and first-round draft pick Kris Humphries, the Big Ten's freshman of the year."
How did you miss all the other threads?? From the title of this one, I thought there was some final confirmation that Cleveland would not match, but this is just the same story that has been discussed in hundreds of posts since yesterday...
