The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

June 24, 1998

"Utah sends Nazr to Philly"

The Utah Jazz traded the draft rights to C / F Nazr Mohammed (29th overall) to Philadelphia for a future first round draft pick.

1998 - ‘99 Salary:

Nazr Mohammed, Phi.: $0.643 M

Notes:

• If the pick is No. 16 or higher, the Jazz get it next year.

• If the pick is No. 15 or higher, the Jazz get it in 2000.

• If the pick is No. 14 or higher, Utah gets it in 2001.

• If the picks is No. 3 or higher, Utah gets the pick in 2002 or as soon as Philly doesn’t own the 1st or second pick overall.

Who got the better of the deal?

Utah.

Why?

The Jazz didn’t want to spend guaranteed money on a first round pick which would lessen their salary cap space. With the money they save in the deal, they can combine the money with free agent F Chris Morris’ salary ($3.5 M) and make a good offer to free agent C Ike Austin. Austin is good friends with Karl Malone and Ike has stated he would consider signing with Utah for less than market value. As a result, a starting salary of $4 M per season would seem to be sufficient for Ike.

In Mohammed, the Sixers add another young big man who can defend. Nazr has shown the work ethic to lose weight and the willingness to improve. When the Sixers decide to buyout F Derrick Coleman’s contract (before July 1st), they will have insurance if F / C Theo Ratliff decides to sign with another team after the lock out or they can pair Nazr with Theo to form an active, though lightweight, power forward combination.