On Dec. 29, 2007, with his team stumbling along with a 16-16 record, Jazz vice president of Basketball operations Kevin O'Connor traded unhappy Gordan Giricek and a heavily protected first-round draft pick to the Philadelphia 76ers for Korver.

When he first heard of the trade, Denver coach George Karl was upset that the Jazz had gotten rid of a potential distraction in Giricek for a veteran sharpshooter such as Korver.

"Very disappointed," Karl said. "... A lot of anger yesterday. A lot of cussing. They made a bad situation be very good. I think it's a very positive move for Utah."

Karl proved to be prophetic.

With Korver deepening their bench, the Jazz went 38-12 over the final 50 games and edged Denver for another Northwest Division championship.

The Jazz traded Giricek just two weeks after Sloan sent him to the locker room after an on-the-bench confrontation during game at Charlotte.

Although Sloan downplayed any connection between the incident and the trade, doubts lingered among his players.

"I think the situation with Gordan and coach had run its course," Jarron Collins said, "and it's probably best for all parties involved to move forward and go on."

Said Deron Williams: "Once something like that transpires, it's pretty hard for [Sloan] to get it out of his head. ... I think Gordan's time here was up. He and coach had their run-ins." Alt Heads:

Korver addition a good one for the Jazz