Jazz trade Giricek, 1st rounder for Kyle Korver

December 29th, 2007 · No Comments

Just a day after the Utah Jazz reinstated Gordon Giricek for an argument with coach Jerry Sloan, the team traded the Croatian shooting guard to the Philadelphia Sixers for Kyle Korver. The Jazz also threw in a protected first-rounder for Korver.

On Thursday, Giricek, Sloan and Jazz GM Kevin O’Connor met to discuss the situation. The three came to the conclusion that Giricek should be reinstated. Sloan said he wanted the team to “move forward,” although it now looks like he meant that the team would continue without Giricek, whom the Jazz acquired from the Orlando Magic for DeShawn Stevenson during 2004 deadline trade.

Giricek was in uniform to play against the Los Angeles Lakers last night, but didn’t get in the game. It was speculated that this was because Giricek had not practiced with the team for eight days, but Giricek seemed unfazed that he didn’t get any minutes during a blowout loss to the Lakers — perhaps because he knew it was his last game with the team.

Giricek is in the last year of his contract, so he drew several possible suitors for a trade because he would give a team so salary cap flexibility.

Meanwhile, the Jazz acquire a much-needed three-point shooter. Although the team has several capable shooters, no Jazzman is a consistent three-point shooter. When Korver’s on the floor, defenses will have to choose between respecting his shot and doubling Boozer in the low post.

Both players are strongly offensive-minded, and neither will have a tremendous impact immediately, but both teams were looking to make a deal. After the Jazz were looking to make a trade after another Giricek/Sloan episode and a long losing streak, the Jazz wanted to try and shake up their roster. Philadelphia is looking for salary cap flexibility as they develop their young roster.