This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Richard Jefferson - a starting small forward last season for the Jazz - has signed a one-year minimum contract with the Dallas Mavericks.
The Jazz made no attempt to re-sign the veteran forward, renouncing his rights a few days ago. Utah took on his contract last season in an attempt to gain salary and keep cap flexibility. If not for the Jazz, Jefferson could very well be out of the league.
Ty Corbin started Jefferson for much of the season at small forward - much to the chagrin of many Jazz fans. But, the former Arizona Wildcat responded with a bounceback season, making shots, running the floor, finishing in transition and becoming one of the better shooters on the team.
As a result, there was a market for Jefferson's services. The Mavericks - needing veteran help behind newly acquired Chandler Parsons - will rely on him for production off the bench. He will try to replace some of Vince Carter's scoring. Carter - who was instrumental in Dallas' postseason run last year - has moved on to the Memphis Grizzilies.
Tony Jones