This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2010, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Center Kyrylo Fesenko turned down a restricted free-agent offer Sunday evening from the Houston Rockets, a league source close to the situation told The Salt Lake Tribune.
All indications point toward Fesenko soon signing a one-year, $1.1 million qualifying offer with the Jazz, and participating in training camp Tuesday. However, Fesenko will not sign the offer until Monday at the earliest, and the possibility remains that he could continue to explore a free-agent market that is light on experienced NBA big men.
Fesenko, 23, has spent almost three months shopping for a multi-year offer with another team. But the third-year center ultimately turned down the Rockets' offer after spending most of Sunday involved in negotiations.If Fesenko signs with the Jazz, he is expected to compete with veteran Francisco Elson for back-up minutes behind starting center Al Jefferson. Mehmet Okur, Utah's starting center in 2009-10, is recovering from Achilles tendon surgery and could be sidelined until January.
— Brian T. Smith
Twitter: tribjazz