It would give the Bulls $35-$39M to spend next summer even if the salary cap goes down as projected. That would put them in position to sign 2 full boat guys and some fillers.

Id do this in a heartbeat.

Agreed that this would be great for the Bulls. I think it makes them better next year AND gives them a better chance in 2010. If Boozer can return to form, then maybe he becomes a viable option. If not, he can see the door and his big contract can come off the books. Then they don't have to worry about renouncing Tyrus's rights just to afford one max guy. Love this deal. As much as I like Hinrich, they aren't winning a title without doing something big. This enables them to do that.

Um.... we can't get a player of Boozer's calibar for a lot less than his salary? I mean... he's not exactly dominant.

Rose pulling a Jay Williams and the Bulls not having a PG or all the big name guys signing extensions this summer

I often wonder what this team would look like now if Jay Williams had not been a dumbass.

If it means sending Tyrus Thomas out to Utah, I'd make this move for Carlos Boozer...I can almost assure you that Jerry Sloan won't tolerate any B.S. from Tyrus if this trade becomes a reality...

Sloan may actually be the best thing to happen to Tyrus. He will either live up to his abilities or Sloan will kick his ass. Even pushing 70, Jerry could still beat Thomas' ass.

Did anyone hear Chad Ford on ESPN1000 say he thought Boozer might take a discount to stay in Chicago if this deal went through? Trying to figure out why he said this (or if he did).

I thought I heard it and went to check the podcast and despite the fact that the description of todays podcast says CJH talked to Chad... his interview isn't on it.


Anyone else hear it?

ESPN's Ric Bucher said via Twitter that the reported deal that would send Carlos Boozer to the Bulls, Kirk Hinrich to the Blazers and Tyrus Thomas to the Jazz is not going to happen.
Bucher said a person within the Bulls acknowledged the deal had been discussed, but that it "wasn't happening." He also mentions that a Blazers/Jazz/Pistons trade has also been discussed. The Jazz are looking for salary relief more than anything, but will probably keep discussing and fielding offers for Boozer.

From Rotoworld:

Did it mention as to what the sticking point was with this not happening and who was pulling away from the table? I can't imagine it would be the Bulls backing out.

I don't know. Over the last 5 years, it always seems like the Bulls think they are sitting on a goldmine with Tyrus, Deng, Hinrich, and Gordon (before he left).

I don't think this trade will happen, but, if so, the Bulls better know something that we don't with the free agent class of 2010.

This deal would give the Bulls a chance to get Lebron especially if the Nets don't move to Brooklyn.

That is so ridiculous, I don't even know how to comment.

Anyway, Boozer is at best a 20-10 player who is going to ask for at least $20 million. You mean to tell me we can't get a 16 - 8 guy for far less money?

Does Boozer make up the scoring that we lose from Gordon being gone?

I'm not sure I understand you. No one knows what will happen in 2010. There is no crystal ball.

However, we do know what could happen, and it could be an immediate league-wide shift of talent and the Bulls would be in a prime position to strike.

Even if 2010 fails out, it is still the right move. The chance to get a perennial all-star or even hall of famer can't be taken lightly. There is a good chance that 5 or more all-stars will be available and the Bulls will have one of the best positions of any team.

This deal would give the Bulls a chance to get Lebron especially if the Nets don't move to Brooklyn.