Corey Maggette is now expected to sign an offer sheet with the Utah Jazz for slightly more than the Nuggets are offering, per ESPN Insider.
I never could figure out why Maggette would even consider Denver. They already have Carmelo Anthony. Of course, it was probably a negotiations ploy or something. He's definitely a better fit in Utah. He and Kirilenko could be a nice young tandem.
I'm glad Maggette is going to the Jazz (never thought I'd say that). Denver isn't going to be quite as loaded as everyone thought, but still a solid young team. As for the Jazz, they seem to be looking decent for the future as well. But what's the PG situation in Utah? If they don't have a solid 1, it doesn't matter how good Kirilenko/Harpring/Maggette are, they can't dominate the game. The Jazz need to get a good PG.
Utah has Raul Lopez at the point, a player they drafted a year or two ago. IIRC, isn't Mark Jackson still under contract? If not, they definitely need a PG; but if so, then it's not such a big deal.
Utah's still going to suck. Harpring Kirilenko Maggette Their main position is small forward. Who else do they have? Greg Ostertag? John Amaechi?!? Good thing Andre and Gilbert aren't going.
Nuggets- Perhaps this brings you back to the possibilities of Arenas? A defensively challenged backcourt, but Melo can guard the better wing players. If you guys want a scoring 2 guard, we'll give you Mobley for Nene, hehe. Honestly, I'm not sure why Utah is going after Maggette over Arenas. Arenas would be a great fit as a a "new wave" Jazz youth movement, with Kirilenko and Harpring on the wings. They also have DeShawn Stevenson. With huge holes now at center (eternally), power forward, and point guard, why exactly are they signing a wing?
Not so fast. Per Leebigez's thread in GARM, Chad Ford writes: Maggette, however, still seemed on the fence. He also spoke with the Rocky Mountain News on Sunday and confirmed Insider's report on Friday that he had, indeed, received an offer from the Nuggets. As to which one he'll actually sign, he wouldn't commit. "I'll know that probably Wednesday," Maggette said. "As of now, nothing is finalized. ... Denver is a really nice place, and I'd love to play there, but I'm keeping my options open until Wednesday."
Harpring's not quick enough to play SG, and neither is Kirilenko. Harprings a banger-type of SF, while Kirilenko is more of a combo SF/PF, despite his wiry build. I think they want Maggette to play a lineup of... Lopez/Maggette/Harpring/Kirilenko/Jarron Collins With the remainder of the team, of course, on the bench. Stevenson is a washout at SG and may be released.
Real head scratcher with Maggette possibly going to the Jazz. Why go there when you can join the youth movement in Denver? Maggette would be the 2 guard right along side Miller and Anthony. Plus the night life and amenities in Denver have to be better than in Utah. I dont see the attraction in going to Utah at all. They might be years away from being a good team. At least Denver has a nucleus going.
Deuce - I think Maggette wants to go to Denver, but (from another report) doesn't feel their offer is enough to dissuade the Clippers from matching. He wants out of LA and feels the better chance of them not matching comes w/ the greater offer from Utah.
Maggette going to Utah, would raise the entire black population in SLC to 23 or so. Seriously, Denver is a damn nice city, and the Nuggets just drafted their franchise player. Utah is basically f*cked because they have not yet started their rebuilding.
That's a very good point. Not only would he want max money possible for his own sake but also to make sure he's not dragged back into the abyss (LAC). He might hate Utah just as much though. With Malone and Stockton gone and no rebuilding having yet occurred, they'll suck for quite a while. And, I don't have much faith in the Jazz's GM to be able to rebuild the team. I'm sure he'll be fired before Utah is good again.
No question that is a possibility. If I am Maggette I tell Denver that they better raise their offer to him or else he won't sign with then. Then he could take the 1 year qualifying offer and become an unrestricted FA next year ala Kandi. It is sort of a gamble but then you dont have to go to Utah. Just seems to me that while Maggette might get decent money in Utah he would be on a team that is directionless right now. He already has that with the Clippers. At least with Denver there is a direction. Word is that Denver is offering Maggette 5.5 million per season and NOT the 7 million that was reported. I can understand why Maggette might feel that the Clippers would match THAT offer. I might if I was the Clippers. The reason why the Nuggets are ONLY offering 5.5 million is that they want Miller, Maggette AND KANDI! And to get ALL THREE they need Maggette to come in around 5.5 million. They might have to scrap one of those guys to make things work. If I were them I would forget Kandi (because I think he is overrated) and just offer Maggette the 7 million per season that was talked about. I am not sure that the Clippers would match that offer!
I'm kind of wondering if Elton Brand is on his way to Utah. I've heard rumors, strong rumors, of Utah going after him, or maybe Michael Olowakandi. Or maybe they feel that Utah's deal is enough to dissuade the Clippers. Maggette's brother said this: <i>"I know why he's going to Utah," said Maggette's brother Jimmie. "But we've been asked not to talk about it." </i> Hmmm. . .
