SALT LAKE CITY — Swingman Kyle Korver told the Utah Jazz on Monday that he will not opt out of the final year of his contract, taking $5.2 million in guaranteed money over becoming a free agent.
Korver’s decision was the first of three that are due before today’s free-agency deadline. Center Mehmet Okur and forward Carlos Boozer can also opt out of their remaining season.
Korver averaged nine points per game last season, giving the Jazz an outside shooting threat off the bench.
• The Milwaukee Bucks made qualifying offers to restricted free-agent guard Ramon Sessions and forward Ersan Ilyasova, but will not make an offer to forward Charlie Villanueva — allowing one of their top scorers from last season to become a free agent.
• The Indiana Pacers will not exercise their team option on guard Marquis Daniels, who averaged a career-high 13.6 points last season.
• The New Jersey Nets are picking up the $2.06 million contract option on forward Jarvis Hayes.
Penguins re-sign Guerin, Adams
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Penguins re-signed forwards Bill Guerin and Craig Adams to one- and two-year contracts, respectively.
Guerin, 38, had seven goals and 15 points in the postseason after being acquired from the New York Islanders at the trading deadline in March. Adams had three goals and two assists in 24 playoff games.
• The St. Louis Blues are cutting ties with Jay McKee, buying out the final year of the defenseman’s contract. McKee signed a four-year, $16 million contract in 2006 and was due $4 million for next season.
• The Florida Panthers placed former Avalanche forward Brett McLean on waivers and are prepared to buy out his $1.7 million contract if another team doesn’t claim him today.
• The Carolina Hurricanes and forward Jussi Jokinen agreed to a two-year deal worth $3.4 million.
Footnotes.
NASCAR filed court documents that show an independent laboratory found an illegal substance in the urine sample that led to Jeremy Mayfield‘s suspension for a failed drug test. Both sides are due in U.S. District Court on Wednesday, and Mayfield is hoping a judge reinstates him in time to travel to this weekend’s race at Daytona International Speedway.
• Texas linebacker Sergio Kindle was treated for a concussion after crashing his car into an Austin, Texas, apartment building last week while he was either sending or receiving a text message, his attorney said. The crash caused about $8,700 damage.
• North Carolina State linebacker Nate Irving is recovering from surgery for a broken leg and collapsed lung after being hurt in a car crash Sunday night. Police think Irving might have fallen asleep at the wheel before crashing into two trees.
• Arkansas linebacker Khiry Battle has been dismissed from the team after a weekend arrest on a charge of driving under the influence.
• Austrian cyclist Christian Pfannberger‘s positive doping test for EPO has been confirmed by a backup “B” sample, and he could face a lifetime ban after being previously suspended for testosterone in 2004.
Denver Post wire services
