After reporting that the Utah Jazz had taken the lead in the Al Jefferson race, ESPN’s Marc Stein wrote in a story that a deal could come together quickly with the Timberwolves potentially not wanting players in return.
Sources told ESPN.com that the Jazz and Timberwolves are engaged in serious discussions on a deal that would slot Jefferson’s contract into the $14 million trade exception that Utah created earlier this week in its sign-and-trade deal with Chicago for Carlos Boozer.
It was not immediately known what Minnesota would receive in return, but Utah can complete such a deal without sending back any players to the Wolves. Sources with knowledge of Minnesota’s thinking said Monday that the Wolves’ main aim in shopping Jefferson in recent weeks has been securing multiple future first-round picks and taking back as little salary if possible.
Soon after, the CEO of the Utah Jazz, Greg Miller, tweeted about a deal that he has approved.
I just approved a Jazz roster move that I’m very excited about. Planning to share details tomorrow.
Whether or not Miller is hinting at a trade involving Jefferson is unclear.