Al Jefferson Traded To Jazz

The Jazz have agreed to a trade that would send Al Jefferson from Minnesota to Utah. The CEO of the Jazz, Greg Miller, tweeted that he "just approved a Jazz roster move that I'm very excited about. Planning to share details tomorrow." It is believed that the Jazz can take on the remaining three years and $42 million of Jefferson's contract with the $13 million trade exception that was acquired in the sign-and-trade deal that sent Carlos Boozer to the Bulls.

Great deal for the Jazz, as Jefferson (when healthy) can be a very good player. The former Celtic averaged 17.1 points and 9.3 rebounds last season, playing in 76 games. If he can stay healthy he will be a great option for Deron Williams, and at least puts on a somewhat good spin on a horrible offseason for the Jazz.

Big Al Gets A Big DWI

"I want to apologize to the entire Timberwolves organization, owner Glen Taylor, my teammates, coaches and Wolves fans everywhere for my actions last night," Jefferson said in a statement released Sunday by the Timberwolves. "I made a very poor decision and I am truly sorry for that. As a leader on this team, I know that more is expected of me, and I am disappointed in myself."

That apology got him suspended for 2 games without pay.

When I brought this up last night BMack said, "Why wouldn't he, he's in Minnesota." And I can't argue with that, Minnesota must suck and the fact your team is one of the worst in the NBA can't help anything. I probably would only drive drunk if I lived there. There will always be a place in my heart for Big Al because he really liked the Celtics when he was here, hopefully this is just a one time thing.

Top 25 Players Under 25: #25 Al Jefferson

Ok, I fucked this up the first time around, but we fixed it, and we are restarting...

#25 Al Jefferson

Born: January 4, 1985


Jefferson has struggled with injury problems, but you can't deny what he has already done in his career. In high school he was a phenom averaging 42.6 points, 18 rebounds, and 7 blocks per game. So, he skipped college and was drafted 15th overall by the Celtics. He had a solid rookie season averaging 6.7 points and 4.4 rebounds in 14.8 minutes. What makes Jefferson so special is how he keeps improving (when healthy), because the very next season he increased his stats in every way. Now where is it more evident then looking at his PPG, 6.7, 7.9, 16, 21, 23.1. Very impressive, but once again his downfall is his injury problems, and you have to be concerned what he is going to be able to do the rest of his career. Yet, in the end you can't deny that he deserves to be on this list.

Amare Stoudemire To Timberwolves? (UPDATED)

"An NBA executive told The Boston Globe on Wednesday that the Minnesota Timberwolves are working on a deal that would send Al Jefferson and the No. 6 pick in next week's NBA draft to the Phoenix Suns for Amare Stoudemire (ESPN)."

It is an interesting deal, but if I was the Suns I still don't think I would do it. I am not that high on this year's draft class (other then the top pick), and Big Al is just too fragile. The Suns would like to move Stoudemire, but they also don't want to sell themselves short. There will be a lot of rumors, and I believe this one. I just don't see the Timberwolves being able to pull it off.


***UPDATE***

It looks like it was the Suns that were actually trying to pull off this deal and were turned down by the Timberwolves....yea I am shocked too.

"Another source said today that the Suns made the trade offer to the Wolves recently and were turned down. The source added that the Wolves new general manager David Kahn has even called Jefferson, an ex-Celtic, to tell him the trade would not happen. As for Stoudemire, the cost-cutting Suns definitely seem interesting in moving him and his hefty salary (Boston.com).

Al Jefferson Out Indefinitely

"The Minnesota Timberwolves star center Al Jefferson is out indefinitely with a torn ACL in his right knee. The team said that an MRI performed Monday morning discovered the extent of the damage done to the knee a night before when Jefferson landed awkwardly late in the game against New Orleans. A date for surgery on the anterior cruciate ligament has not been set (Sportsline)."

This is really too bad for the Timberwolves. They suck, and now they are just going to be just flat out awful. I guess the good news is that they will be getting another high draft pick, and next year hopefully Al can come back healthy, but I really think this is the beginning of a long list of injuries for Jefferson. There is really not a lot of reason I can put behind that, just a feeling (though he has had ankle problems in the past).

Just think this is what the Celtics could have been......