| Raja Bell will be a free agent after a buyout. (Getty Images) |
Raja Bell signed with the Jazz two years ago and it was supposed to be a huge addition for their team and locker room. Instead it's been a disaster, with Bell unable to stay on the floor, and clashing with coaches and management. He's wanted and needed out for over a year, and it looks like that's finally happening.
The Salt Lake Tribune reports that Bell has agreed to a buyout:
Veteran shooting guard Raja Bell told The Salt Lake Tribune on Sunday he has reached a verbal agreement with Utah for a buyout of his 2012-13 contract. Once the deal is formalized, Bell said he'll be free to sign with any team in the league.
"I've been given the greenlight and we've agreed to terms," said Bell, who's set to make $3.4 million this season.
via Utah Jazz on verge of contract buyout with Raja Bell | Utah Jazz Notes | The Salt Lake Tribune.
Yahoo Sports reports that both the Heat and the Lakers will be interested in Bell's services. Bell turned down an offer from the Lakers to sign with the Jazz in 2010, after a direct recruiting visit from Kobe Bryant. Bell is known to be extremely close to Steve Nash, however, and Nash could likely swing him to L.A..
The Heat aren't in desperate need for Bell, considering their depth at the 2-guard position with Dwyane Wade, Ray Allen, and Shane Battier's ability to play the position. But Bell calls Miami home, and that could swing him. He'll likely take the veteran's minimum either place. What he can offer at this point will be up for debate, but in a different situation, there's reason to believe he can contribute, especially defensively.