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Jazz acquire Jefferson from T-Wolves

SALT LAKE CITY, July 13 (UPI) -- The Utah Jazz acquired center/forward Al Jefferson from the Minnesota Timberwolves Tuesday in a move to replace the departed Carlos Boozer.

In exchange, the Jazz sent center Kosta Koufos, the Memphis Grizzlies' 2011 first-round pick -- which had been obtained by the Jazz -- and an additional future protected first-round pick to Minnesota.

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The Jazz are hoping Jefferson, who averaged 17.1 points and 6.9 rebounds last season, can make up for the loss of Boozer, who left as a free agent to join the Chicago Bulls.

"We are happy to acquire a young power player who has developed into one of the best low post scorers in the league," Utah General Manager Kevin O'Connor said. "We gave up significant assets to obtain Al and we look forward to watching him progress with our team."

Jefferson has averaged 15.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.25 blocks in 407 career games (276 starts) over six seasons with Boston and Minnesota.

Koufos was Utah's first-round pick in 2008 draft. He averaged 3.3 points and 2.2 rebounds in 48 games last year.

Minnesota was reportedly close to signing free-agent former Milwaukee guard Luke Ridnour to a four-year, $16 million deal. On Monday, the Wolves traded for Michael Beasley and signed Darko Milicic, Wesley Johnson and Lazar Hayward.

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