I've sensed some worried souls here on Jazzhoops the last little while, mostly concerned about one Carlos Boozer and the prospects of a trade for him.

Don't worry.

I wrote about wheeling and dealing in a previous article, but this what I think should be a ray of hope for us long suffering fans. This isn't an attempt at an article. Just between us guys and girls.

GM's of NBA ball clubs are for the most part great wheelers and dealers, though I respect the ones like KOC much more than I respect the guys like Kevin Prickett and Pat Riley......Who I wouldn't trust further than I could throw their pompous butts.

KOC is a master of dodging the truth without ever actually saying something that's totally a lie, often by simply not saying all that he knows.

I respect that. He's protecting the interests of the Jazz by doing so.

When Pat Riley says that there's nothing going on with Carlos Boozer, it makes me want to check my pocket to see if my wallet is missing. Quite frankly, I don't believe him. I wouldn't believe Kevin Prickett if he told me my lights were on and the car was running. He probably wants my place in line for lunch.

GM's are just people, some better than others, some worse. Often they form friendships and deal with their friends, who they know they can trust not to stab them in the back. KOC has friends in New Jersey and Philly among others, so I understand. KOC is also one of the more respected GM's in the business, and is trusted as much as anyone.

So when I hear Pat Riley say something like that, and know from last year at the draft time that he really didn't want to draft Beasley because he didn't like him, it sort of makes me a little suspicious of what his intentions really are.

Now that Beasley might be a pawn in some trade talk, suddenly he's a great kid with unlimited talent who I wish my daughter would marry. Udonis Hasleem is suddenly a 20-10 guy who just needs a break or two to shame Boozer.

So what is reality? What can we get for Carlos?

Simply turn the equation around. When push comes to shove, and these guys get the feeling that they actually might not have a shot at Carlos, the real deals will hit the table, because of who Carlos really is. He's a 20-10 guy, and NONE of the players involved in potential trades are that good. Some have potential, some are young and haven't peaked yet, but NONE of them are in the same league as Carlos.

And you KNOW that he will play every game this year and tear it up. It's in his business interests, his best interests, to do so. Millions of dollars are on the line.

So don't worry, be happy. The Jazz will get what they want from Carlos, because KOC and the Jazz have shown in the past they do not cave into players...Like AK....and the Jazz simply expect contract players to live up to that contract. Other teams know that, and know the Jazz don't bluff.

It's the way the NBA ought to work, but seldom does when the inmates run the asylum.

Carlos is a very valuable player when he wants to be. He can be a great player, and these guys know that.

It only takes ONE team to make a deal, and I really think there are at least six or seven teams who will want to make a deal for Carlos.

It will get done. Have faith...And be happy.