A day ahead of the deadline to do so, the Jazz decided they will keep Paul Millsap by matching the four-year, $32 million offer sheet the restricted free agent forward signed with Portland, a source close to the team said Thursday.
The Jazz's move was widely expected, although they must make a $10.3 million upfront payment to Millsap under the terms of the offer sheet he signed with the Trail Blazers last Friday. A former second-round draft pick, Millsap finished fourth in voting for the Most Improved Player last season after averaging 13.5 points and 8.6 rebounds last season. That included a streak of 19 consecutive double-doubles starting in place of the injured Carlos Boozer.
The Jazz are expected to continue to explore potential trades involving Boozer, with Chicago and Miami emerging as frontrunners. After matching the Millsap offer, the Jazz's payroll stands at more than $80 million.
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Jazz to match Millsap offer
