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The Utah Jazz announced today that the team has signed center Mehmet Okur to a multi-year contract extension which will take effect when his current contract expires following the 2009-10 season. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not released. ESPN.com had reported it would possibly be a two-year contract extension worth just under $21 million.
“Memo continues to be one of the key components of our team and we are certainly glad that we were able to reach this agreement,” said Utah Jazz General Manager Kevin O’Connor. “Signing him to a contract extension ensures us stability in our frontcourt.”
Okur (6-11, 263, Turkey), appeared in 72 games (all starts) for the Jazz in 2008-09, averaging 17.0 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 33.5 minutes per game. A seven-year NBA veteran, Okur finished the season second in points and second in total rebounds for the Jazz.
“We are excited that Memo has decided to remain with our franchise,” said Utah Jazz President Randy Rigby. “Not only has he become a fan favorite, but Memo has made Salt Lake his second home and the community has loved having him here.”
Originally signed by the Jazz as a free-agent on July 27, 2004, Okur has appeared in 388 out of a possible 410 regular season games with the Jazz over the past five seasons, averaging 16.0 points and 7.9 rebounds in 32.8 minutes per game. A 2007 NBA All-Star, Okur owns the single-season Jazz record for most three-pointers made and attempted (129-336) in a season (2006-07), and ranks fourth on the franchise’s all-time list for three-pointers attempted (1129) and fifth for three-pointers made (430).
