SALT LAKE CITY – The trade deadline has passed without the Utah Jazz dealing either power forward Paul Millsap or center Al Jefferson, leaving intact a team that is seven games above .500 entering the stretch run toward the playoffs.
Millsap and Jefferson have been considered trade bait because of their expiring contracts. The team has seven players with expiring contracts and only $25 million in salary commitments for next season.
The 6-foot-8 Millsap was considered the most expendable, not because he wasn't producing but because third-year pro Derrick Favors is waiting in the wings.
Millsap has started all 55 games for the Jazz this season, averaging 15 points and 7.4 rebounds.
The 21-year-old Favors is averaging 9.4 points and 6.2 rebounds and is the team's top shot-blocker with 70.
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