Feb 22, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Utah Jazz forward Paul Milsap (24) against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center. The Timberwolves defeated the Jazz 100-98. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The Utah Jazz are looking to deal Paul Milsap and keep Al Jefferson instead according to ESPN’s insider Ric Bucher. Bucher posted this on sulia today after there had been rumors that many teams were looking to acquire Milsap.

Here’s what Bucher said:

Latest word on Utah Jazz and who they’ll keep vs. deal between Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap: Jefferson is the likliest to stay right now, according to several opposing team executives. Consensus is the Jazz can’t afford to keep both with Gordon Hayward soon to be eligible for an extension and the belief that Hayward is in the team’s long-term plans.

The Jazz have to make a decision between keeping the two front court mates soon. At the end of the season they’ll both be free agents–Milsap will be restricted and Jefferson unrestricted. With Milsap being restricted he’d be easier to retain, but he may be the more expensive option long term.

With the Jazz looking to extend Gordon Hayward for their future, Milsap isn’t really who they’d like to build their organization around. He’s a good player–probably a borderline All-Star. The problem is he isn’t going to lead them to titles and he’s going to be a very expensive option. Hayward isn’t going to cost as much and Jefferson is older and will likely demand less.

It’ll be interesting to see where Milsap ends up. I’ve heard that the Nets are interested and maybe even the New York Knicks as well. I think that the Houston Rockets would be a very good place for Milsap to land. Pairing him with great defensive big like Omer Asik will be good for his career.