Raja Bell released: by the Utah Jazz on Sunday |
The deadline to for playoff eligibility was March 1, but because Utah waited until now, any team that picks him up can use him until the regular season ends, but won't be able to add him to their postseason rosters. It seems like a vindictive move towards a player who has been a disruptive force in Utah.
Bell has clashed with head coach Tyrone Corbin, calling him unprofessional on one occasion. Because of his poor relationship with the organization, Utah has not used him since the last game of the 2011-12 season. Now, it is Utah who got the last laugh. They will pay out the remainder of Bell's $3.4 million contract this season, but he won't find many suitors for his services since he won't be able to help anyone in the postseason.
The Los Angeles Lakers were one team that had interest, but without a postseason hand, the fact that Raja Bell was released so late pretty much ends any interest most teams have in the player.