Jazz, Fesenko in waiting game over contract

 Utah Jazz general manager Kevin O’Connor said Monday that the team has an “issue” with center Kyrylo Fesenko, because the third-year player has yet to accept a one-year, $1 million qualifying offer.

Asked if he expects Fesenko to be signed by the start of training camp next Tuesday, O’Connor said: “I’m not optimistic or pessimistic. We just have to wait to see what happens.”

Stu Lash, Fesenko’s agent, would not comment when reached by phone Monday.

Fesenko, 23, averaged 2.6 points and 1.8 rebounds during 49 regular-season games for the Jazz last season. He started nine out of 10 playoff contests, averaging 3.3 points and 3.9 rebounds in 18.1 minutes.

Relatively minor contract-related issues have prolonged negotiations between Fesenko and the Jazz, turning what was expected to be a simple process into a waiting game that has dragged on for more than two and a half months. Despite the standstill, Utah provides the 7-foot, 300-pound center with an expected 10-15 minutes per game of playing time, as well as already-familiar offensive and defensive systems.

But negotiations between the sides could go on for at least another week, as Fesenko explores the free-agent market and searches for a multi-year deal for more average money with another team.