Utah Jazz reportedly shopping Devin Harris again

ESPN's Marc Stein reported early Friday the Jazz have been shopping starting point guard Devin Harris since the NBA Development League showcase, which began Jan. 8 in Reno, Nev.

The Salt Lake Tribune reported last June that Harris was on the block during the 2011 NBA Draft.

The Tribune learned earlier this week nothing was imminent regarding Utah trading any of its players.

The Jazz have avoided making major moves this season, preferring to see how a team featuring four lottery picks from 2010 and 2011 develops. Utah did unexpectedly trade veteran center Mehmet Okur to New Jersey, though, exchanging him Dec. 22 for a $10.8 million trade exception.

Harris, 28, has struggled for Utah this season, despite starting all 14 games. The former All-Star is averaging just 8.1 points and 4.6 assists while shooting 35 percent from the field. He had his worst game of the year Thursday during a home loss to Dallas, scoring one point on 0-of-7 shooting.

"We've got to do a better job of executing late in games and that falls on my shoulders a lot; make sure we get a good shot every time down the floor," said Harris, who's averaged 13.1 points and 5 assists during his eight-year career while playing for three teams.

A source close to Harris said this week he wants to make it work with Utah and enjoys the team. He's at a point in his career where team victories are more important than personal statistics, and he's excited about the Jazz's potential.

"Winning is the most important thing. We didn't get a whole lot of that when I was [in New Jersey]. … The 12-win season was tough, and last year going through what we went through was tough. I was just glad to get back to winning," Harris said Jan. 14 before playing the Nets.

Harris has twice been traded during his career. He is under contract through 2012-13 and is set to make $17.8 million the next two seasons. Utah acquired him last February via the Deron Williams trade, also picking up Derrick Favors, two first-round picks and $3 million.

Harris has had minor in-game flareups with Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin but they have mutual respect for each other. The biggest problems for Harris have been his inability to find a comfort zone and consistently produce for a young Jazz team. He's at times been outplayed by reserve Earl Watson, and he's a combo guard who isn't an ideal fit for Utah's inside-out offensive system.

The former Wisconsin standout has been held to three points or less in three of the Jazz's last five games. He's averaging just 5.8 points while shooting 31.4 percent from the field during the stretch.

Harris discussed his early-season struggles with Utah here.

Brian T. Smith

Twitter: @tribjazz