Former Jazz owner Gail Miller discussed her decision to sell the franchise last week in an exclusive interview with Doug Robinson of the Deseret News, explaining why she made the move, what the future holds for her family and more.
“Obviously, when we started talking about the idea (of selling the team), what-would-Larry-do came up,” Miller said, referencing her late husband Larry Miller, who first bought the team in 1985 and passed in 2009. “I think my most overriding feeling is that I don’t think Larry cares. When he was dying it was really evident that this world no longer mattered to him. His attention was diverted to more important things.
“He put me in charge. He told me, ‘You’re going to be the trustee. You’ve got the institutional knowledge. You do what you think is best.’ He had faith in my judgment and ability to make decisions and take care of things.”
Jazz sponsor and Utah native Ryan Smith ultimately purchased the organization for $1.66 billion, assuring the team would remain in Utah for years to come.
“We all had to come to the conclusion on our own,” said Miller, who has five children and one grandchild. “Some were slower to come to the party. In the end we all saw the wisdom in this decision, which opens an asset we can do so much more with.”
Here’s more from around the West:
- Kendra Andrews of The Athletic lists four wings the Nuggets should consider pursuing in free agency. Among the names mentioned is Jae Crowder, a physical 6’8″ unrestricted free agent who’s coming off an impressive stint with Miami.
- Jovan Buha of The Athletic ranks several potential point guard targets for the Clippers, who could look to upgrade the position during the offseason. Buha rated players such as Rajon Rondo, D.J. Augustin and others based on their production and overall fit with the team.
- James Ham of NBC Sports examines nine big men the Kings should consider drafting in the first and second rounds. Sacramento owns the No. 12, No. 35, No. 43 and No. 52 picks in this year’s draft, which is set to be held on November 18.
IMO
Clippers will keep all their own top 3 free agents
and then make good trades
The Clippers GMs are 2 levels ahead of 76ers now
This goes to show that going over the cap into tax land is nothing. When you sell the team you will recoup you losses and then some.
So the Warriors will go all out and gladly pay a $100M tax bill next year?
Finally you getting it? No owner is as cheap as the frittata dude that owns HOU!
I guess that explains why 5 teams or fewer end up paying luxury taxes every year. Look at small market teams like OKC desperate to slash their payroll, if only they could find a way to rid themselves of Chris Paul and the league’s worst contract.
Sold a majority stake, still has 20%.
Ryan Smith:
Change the team name.
Nobody in Utah knows what “Jazz” is.
I guess the Rocket fan forgot who gave that contract. Dude you must really hate Paul for getting hurt in playoffs. Closes they will ever be under Harden. Get over it stuff happens. Leave Chris be bro. Love to see Rondo go to Clippers. That would be entertaining. I doubt Lakers let him get away. Bron knows a winner when he sees one.