Oklahoma City ? As much attention as their plans to re-sign Paul Millsap already have received, the Jazz also will have decisions to make about Ronnie Brewer , with a window beginning July 1 to sign the third-year guard to a contract extension.
The Jazz took advantage of a similar window last summer to sign Deron Williams to an extension. For his part, Brewer said Friday that he wasn't worrying about the extension as summer draws closer but that he would be interested in staying with the Jazz. "I enjoy playing here," said Brewer, who has started 143 games the last two seasons. "I enjoy playing for coach [ Jerry ] Sloan . He's a great coach, great teacher, and as my production shows, I'm improving every year.
"Obviously, the work I've been doing in the summer and just buying into the system, I've improved every year. It'd definitely be a place I wouldn't mind staying for a long time."
The Jazz exercised an option to bring back Brewer for the 2009-10 season before the start of training camp. If the Jazz cannot sign him to an extension by Oct. 31, Brewer would become a restricted free agent after next season.
"It either happens or it doesn't," Brewer said. "I continue to play throughout the season, try to work hard and get better every game, help improve this team, try to go as far in the playoffs and in the summertime, take a little time off and prepare myself for next season."
How much of a factor the economy will play is uncertain, with the NBA's salary cap and luxury-tax threshold set to drop. "You never know," Brewer said. "In our draft class, there's a lot of talented guys. I think a lot of guys are eligible and much deserving of getting it."
Around the league, Portland's Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge and Memphis' Rudy Gay all could sign extensions as headliners from the 2006 draft class.
From the 2005 class, Williams, Chris Paul , Danny Granger , Andrew Bynum , Andrew Bogut , Martell Webster and Jason Maxiell all signed extensions. Marvin Williams , Raymond Felton , Nate Robinson and David Lee -- among others -- all did not.
Brewer has averaged 14.0 points and 32.2 minutes in starting 67 games this season. His numbers compare favorably to those of Webster, who averaged 10.7 points in 2007-08 and signed a four-year, $20 million extension with Portland.
rsiler@sltrib.com
