Matt Harpring's $6.5 million salary is fully guaranteed for this season and the Jazz would see no salary cap/luxury tax relief were he unable to play, as the NBA requires a one-year waiting period following retirement in such cases.

The Jazz should be able to recover the majority of Harpring's salary from insurance if he misses at least half the season.

By keeping him on the roster, Harpring gives the Jazz a 13th player under contract as the NBA requires. He also could prove an attractive trade chip with an expiring contract.