Boozer expressed a desire to play elsewhere in no fewer than four radio and newspaper interviews with outlets in Chicago and Miami, with the Bulls and the Heat clearly his preferred destination in a potential trade.

However, the trade market for Boozer remains unclear. Heat president Pat Riley told reporters Aug. 5 that he had not discussed a Boozer deal with the Jazz and wasn't "comfortable" with Boozer's comments about playing for Miami.

The Bulls remain a possibility, but owner Jerry Reinsdorf's interest in Boozer is not believed to be especially strong. How willing the Bulls are to include Tyrus Thomas and/or Kirk Hinrich in a deal also is unclear.

Boozer was linked to New York in a potential sign-and-trade involving restricted free agent David Lee. But Lee's agent, Mark Bartelstein, all but dismissed the possibility of such a deal taking place.

The Jazz had not talked to Houston about a Boozer deal, despite reports to the contrary, and were rebuffed by Memphis in a potential deal, with the Grizzlies instead opting to acquire Zach Randolph, according to ESPN.com.

In the meantime, Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor remains committed to getting the best deal for Boozer, even if that means opening the season with Boozer on the roster.

The Jazz believe they can weather the potential distractions involving Boozer, having gone through a similar experience only two years ago in the wake of Andrei Kirilenko's trade demand.

As long as Jerry Sloan is coach, the Jazz believe Boozer will fall in line and have much to prove coming off an injury-plagued season and entering free agency next season.

If he is staying or going, however, Boozer is likely to be quieter the rest of the summer, with O'Connor telling Boozer's camp that his comments had upset chief executive Greg Miller, who believed Boozer was trying to force the team's hand.