Trading Russell Could Help Jazz at Point Guard

The Jazz may have found a solution to their need for a backup point guard: Bryon Russell. No, the nine-year Utah veteran won't play the position. But Russell's free-agent status, and his ongoing negotiations with the Washington Wizards, could prompt a trade between the two teams that would fill the Jazz's most pressing roster vacancy. Presumably, such a deal would bring point guard Tyronn Lue or, less likely, Chris Whitney to Utah to back up John Stockton next season. A sign-and-trade involving Russell, ruled out two weeks ago after the Jazz signed free-agent forward Matt Harpring, is again a possibility, Jazz vice president of basketball operations Kevin O'Connor said Wednesday. O'Connor, on his way to Indianapolis for the World Basketball Championships, which begin today, did not comment on specific trades but said, "It's something we're taking another look at."

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Wizards Could Acquire Russell

Steve Wyche of the Washington Post reports that the Wizards are close to landing Bryon Russell. It could cost them one of their point guards, though.

The Wiz have been talking with Russell for more than a week and will probably see him again when he visits Washington on Thursday. Sources close to the negotiations have said a deal is unlikely on Thursday because the Wizards are discussing a sign and trade with Russell’s former team, the Jazz.

The trade would send either Tyronn Lue or Chris Whitney to the Jazz to back up John Stockton at the point guard. In return, Russell can get a little more money than the $1.4 million exception that the Wizards have to offer, and the Wizards get a starting small forward.

Since the Wizards already have 14 players under contract, they would rather swap players than add another guaranteed contract to their books. Also, with the acquisition of Larry Hughes and Juan Dixon this summer to help bolster their point guard position, Lue or Whitney is expendable.

If a sign-and-trade cannot be reached, the source indicated that Russell likely would sign a one-year deal for Washington's $1.4 million, league-allotted exception and occupy the Wizards' final roster spot.

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Sonics show interest in Popeye

Frank Hughes of the News tribune reports that the Supersonics are looking into a contingency plan in the event that Rashard Lewis does not return. On Monday, the Sonics brought in free-agent forward Popeye Jones to interview him in case Lewis chooses to join the Dallas Mavericks. Jones has also talked with the Mavericks. It appears as if Jones will go to the team that doesn’t get Lewis.

"He has proven that he can rebound, and rebounding was one of our problem areas last season," Sonics general manager Rick Sund said.

The only way the Sonics can sign Jones is if Lewis leaves, which would free salary space. If Lewis goes to Dallas, then the Sonics could offer Jones a salary starting at $1.4 million - and it would keep the Sonics under the luxury tax threshold.

A source with knowledge of Jones' situation said that Jones, a nine-year veteran who has averaged 7.8 rebounds a game over his five-team career, is not interested in money as much as he is in the security of a multiyear deal. "A couple years ago we tried to bring him here," Sonics coach Nate McMillan said. "We still have an interest in him."

Also, the Sonics are speaking with free-agent swingman Bryon Russell, though it is less likely Russell would join the team because he will probably sign with Washington. Russell has not visited the Sonics, but has been courted by the Wizards, which is why Jones is available.

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