Karl Malone dropped in to see Larry H. Miller earlier this month, a low-key visit to the Jazz owner's home that sets an important tone for the upcoming season.

The two will have a huge decision to make next summer regarding the Mailman"s future when his four-year, $67 million contract expires. Malone plans to play beyond that, but it's unlikely either Miller or Malone know whether that will happen in a Jazz uniform.

It's a perplexing question driven by Miller's mandate to build for the future -- and complicated by a maze of NBA rules.

Just knowing the "Malone Question" is out there could bring dark clouds into training camp if the Mailman is worried or concerned.

But he made it clear that wouldn't be the case.