Deseret Morning News | Extra year kept Peterson from accepting Jazz offer
The Jazz put in the first call. He even took time to visit Utah.

But ultimately Morris Peterson decided to sign this past offseason with New Orleans, and on Friday, before the Jazz played host to the Hornets, the longtime Toronto Raptors shooting guard confirmed length of contract was the primary reason.

“It did come down to the number of years,” said Peterson, who signed a four-year deal worth nearly $24 million with the Hornets. “New Orleans gave me a bit more security. (The Jazz) didn’t want to go past three years.”

Once Peterson knew he’d get the extra season from New Orleans, he said his decision was “pretty much instant.”

Until then, though, he struggled.

“It was going back and forth,” he said. “One day it would be Utah, one day it would be New Orleans

“It was a hard decision for me,” Peterson added, “because you’ve got two of the best young point guards in Chris Paul and Deron (Williams), and then you’ve got Carlos Boozer and (David) West and Tyson Chandler.”

Now that he’s with the Hornets, and the owner of a 10.2 points-per-game scoring average heading into Friday’s game, Peterson is pleased he made the call he did.

“I prayed on it, and talked to my family a little bit about it, and they just told me to do what I feel is best,” he said. “And I think it’s working out right now. We got off to a good start (opening 9-2), and we’ve got a pretty good team with a good bunch of guys.