Chicago Bulls Rumors: Carlos Boozer Deals That Would Work
The Chicago Bulls went 62-20 last season, but many still feel that Carlos Boozer didn't fulfill what the fans or the team wanted.
Boozer's numbers did dip from 19.5 points and 11.2 rebounds per game in Utah to 17.3 and 9.6 in his first year in Chicago. That is no reason for fans to go run panicking, but it certainly stirs speculation if the Bulls overpaid for Boozer.
The Bulls do have options behind Boozer in Taj Gibson and Omer Asik, and they do have a spot to fill at shooting guard. Perhaps the Bulls would look to move Boozer to fill their void, but it is yet to be seen.
If the lockout does come to an end soon, the Bulls have to be ready to perhaps shop Boozer if they are looking to fill their spot at shooting guard.
Many of you will be surprised to not see Monta Ellis on this list, but, with the contract they just gave David Lee, it is unlikely they would make a move for another starting power forward.
Obviously, this is all hypothetical, but these trades would work if the Bulls ultimately decide the Boozer experiment is over.
Andre Iguodala
1 of 6Andre Iguodala's roughly $13.6 million would match up pretty well with Boozer's $13.5 to make a nice straight-up trade.
Iguodala could fill the opening at shooting guard while also filling in at small forward when Deng hits the bench.
Iguodala didn't have great numbers last season, averaging 14.1 points, 6.3 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game. Iguodala could become a serious threat, though, as the No. 2/3 scorer for the Chicago Bulls.
This trade would work for the Bulls, but the question is if the Sixers would find a need for Boozer, considering they already do have an aging Elton Brand.
Rudy Gay
2 of 6The Grizzlies made a pretty good run last year without Rudy Gay in the line-up.
They could explore trading him, especially since they proved they didn't need him last season.
With the Grizz signing Randolph, it would be hard to imagine them wanting Boozer. Perhaps they see Boozer as a better option with his size and abilities compared to what Gay brings to the table for his price. Boozer would be an expensive option off the bench, though.
I see this as more of a post 2011-12 move rather then this upcoming one.
The Bulls would likely have to throw in another player since Gay's contract is around $15 million. Plus, he is much younger.
A line up of Gay, Derrick Rose, Loul Deng, Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson would be incredibly talented.
Nene
3 of 6If the Chicago Bulls decide they want to fill their shooting guard spot elsewhere, they could possibly perform a sign-and-trade with Denver for Nene.
Nene's number have been weaker then Boozer's, but perhaps he would come at a cheaper price then the $13.5 million Boozer is making.
The Nuggets have a lot of space under the cap, so they could take on some money. They are rebuilding and could use a veteran presence while staying relevant.
The Nuggets did make the playoffs last year, so they are still a team that can make a push in the Western Conference.
Arron Afflalo
4 of 6As previously mentioned, the Nuggets are very well under the current cap.
The Chicago Bulls just may covet their shooting guard Arron Afflalo, but the fact that he is only entitled to $2.9 million under his qualifying offer is ways away from Boozer's $13.5 million.
The Nuggets could probably absorb the difference, but that is unlikely. Rather, they could re-sign Afflalo and trade him to the Bulls, giving the Bulls some insurance on making the move.
Afflalo is likely not going to peak $10 million, especially with the way contracts could be construed in a new CBA. The Bulls would then have to take on a guy like Al Harrington and throw in a draft pick to make this deal work.
Kevin Martin
5 of 6In my opinion, the best fit for Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls.
Also, the most unlikely to be moved. We have seen crazier things, though.
A year ago, I never would have thought the Nuggets would have traded Carmelo Anthony, but they did.
Kevin Martin has a $12.5 million contract, and with the recent retirement of Yao Ming, the Rockets are looking for a low post scorer.
The Chicago Bulls would benefit from adding Martin's 23.4 PPG and finding a solid No. 2 scorer.
Kevin Martin is the Rockets' best player, so, like I said, this is unlikely. The numbers would work, though, and perhaps a first-round pick or two would sway the Rockets.
O.J. Mayo
6 of 6So, lets say Memphis wants to keep the previously mentioned Rudy Gay, but they still want to add another power forward.
Well, the Grizzlies could move shooting guard O.J. Mayo.
The Grizzlies have a crowded field at the two guard with Mayo, Xavier Henry, Tony Allen and some could argue Rudy Gay as being a viable option at the position.
Boozer would be an expensive back up if Randolph continues to start, but perhaps they would rather add quality depth to their power forward slot while freeing up some room for their young shooting guards.
Mayo is due only $5.2 million, but without signing Randolph, the Grizzlies are well under the cap. They could likely make Boozer fit, pending the CBA, but the Bulls would likely have to throw in a draft pick or two.
Mayo has only become worse over the years, so it would be a gamble. Perhaps a change in scenery and the influence of Derrick Rose and Coach Thibodeau is all he needs to return to form.
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