This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
With unrestricted free agent small forward C.J. Miles still on the market and the #NBA's free agency moratorium period about to end, here are two possible sign-and-trade scenarios that could come into play.
No. 1 - The Jazz sign Miles, then trade him to Chicago for shooting guard Rip Hamilton, who's set to make $5 million in 2012-13 and is under a $5 million team option in 2013-14. Teaming Hamilton with Mo Williams and Gordon Hayward could give Utah a much-improved backcourt, while freeing up much-needed interior space for Paul Millsap, Derrick Favors, Al Jefferson and Enes Kanter.
Utah's long needed a true scoring threat at the 2, and a healthy Hamilton could be a major boost for the Jazz next season. He'd also prevent the small-market Jazz with the low-risk, high-reward scenario general manager Kevin O'Connor has often relied on during recent seasons.
No. 2 - Utah signs Miles, then trades him to Orlando in exchange for shooting guard Jason Richardson as part of a one-for-one deal or package trade.
Richardson is a proven scorer and would replace the athleticism lost in Miles' departure. He's under contract for two more seasons for a combined $12 million, though, and holds a 2014-15 player option worth $6.6 million.
Miles re-signing with the Jazz is a remote possibility, at best. By engaging in a sign-and-trade involving the 25-year-old small forward, Utah could instantly bolster its roster, rather than simply allowing Miles to walk away as an unrestricted free agent.
Several teams have expressed interest in signing Miles since free agency began July 1. The seven-year veteran is seeking a multiyear deal, and could soon reach an agreement with a Western Conference team as an unrestricted free agent.
Brian T. Smith
Twitter: @tribjazz