Sadly, the Al Jefferson "experiment" is failing in Utah. Sadly, because I've always liked AJ, ever since he was shuttled to 'Sota like a piece of scrap meat in the KG deal, and then continued to put up big numbers. "Experiment" because it was supposed to be an easy replacement -- hell, I thought he would thrive in Utah's system and quickly wash away memories of Boozer.

But now Utah is in the midst of a 6-game losing streak and fingers are being pointed. Even ESPN said so, so it must be true.

The question proposed by this post: in the event that we can't shed Rip for cap space, would we be willing to take on an equally hefty contract ($13/yr, 3 years remaining) if it gets us a big who can score down low?

For funsies, here's the trade: no draft picks, no ancillary players. Just Rip fo AJ, straight up.

It's long been known that Utah has desired more scoring from their 2 spot. A spot-up shooting for D-Will's drive-and-dish. I think Rip, mediocre as he's been, fits in well there...Millsap gets full-time duties at PF, and Okur returns to Center to stretch the floor.

Detroit doesn't "get rid" of Rip's heinous contract per se, but gets a low post scorer and rebounder who I think still has a lot in him. Given his history, I think he's exactly the kind of castoff journeyman that once re-instilled pride in our beloved franchise. He of course represents a risk, as his struggles in Utah -- coupled with his recent recovery from injury -- might not be a fluke. But if the choice is "Leave Rip on the books to not play," or "Replace that contract with a former All-Star Center with upside," (upside!) my vote is for the latter.