Jazz Sign Stockton & Hornacek

September 30, 1999 / 12:26 PM EDT / CBS/AP

John Stockton and Jeff Hornacek will return to take another shot at winning an NBA title, eager to give the Utah Jazz as much time as their aging bodies allow.

The Jazz on Thursday announced that Stockton, 37, signed a two-year contract and Hornacek, 36, agreed to a one-year deal.

It remains to be seen whether the oldest backcourt in the NBA can lead Utah back to the NBA Finals, in which Utah lost in 1997 and 1998. Both players made it clear they're coming back to pursue the title.

"You go for it. You're always trying to win a championship," Hornacek said when asked if this season marks his last chance.

Terms weren't disclosed for either contract. Published reports say Stockton, the NBA's career leader in assists and steals, will be paid $22 million while Hornacek's deal is worth $5.2 million.

Jazz owner Larry Miller said during a news conference that he negotiated directly with the players, as he has done for years. Stockton said he was never concerned he wouldn't get a good deal.

"There was a lot of faith in each other," Stockton said. "I really had a restful summer even though I was unemployed the whole time."

Last month, forward Karl Malone signed a four-year, $66.5 million contract. With Stockton and Hornacek back, Utah is committed to the trio that took the team to the finals.

Malone turned 36 in July. Although the clock has been ticking on the Jazz for years, it's clear from the length of the Stockton and Hornacek contracts the stroke of midnight can't be too far away.

"We all realize this is coming to an end," Stockton said.

Miller said just as he rooted for John Elway to win the Super Bowl, he's hopeful that Malone, Stockton and Hornacek can win the NBA title before they retire.

"They're all important to the Jazz, to be sure, but also for what they mean to the game, these guys deserve to win a championship," Miller said.

The problem for all three, and for the Jazz, is age.

Stockton and Hornacek at times were defensive liabilities in last year's playoffs, being beaten off the dribble by quicker legs. The Jazz were eliminated in the second round after Malone shot 3-of-16 from the floor in Game 6 against the younger Portland Trail Blazers.

Stockton had offseason surgery on an elbow and Hornacek underwent surgery to repair a chronically sore knee. Both declared themselves fit and said they're ready for training camp next week.

"As September rolls around, I can't speak for everyone, but I get excited to get back to work," Stockton said.

Hornacek was expected to see fewer minutes than last season, splitting time with swingman Shandon Anderson. On Wednesday, Anerson signed a deal with the Houston Rockets, leaving the Jazz without a proven backup at shooting guard.

Hornacek said last weekend, when he was inducted into Iowa State's hall of fame, that this would be his last season. He hedged a little on Thursday but didn't recant.

"Hopefully, we can win it this year," Hornacek said. "In our talks, Larry said to play this season and just see what happens."