The Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors have begun preliminary trade discusses that would send Carlos Boozer to Toronto in return for Andrea Bargnani. Sources are reporting that while these are just floating rumors and nothing has been set in stone, the discussions are there and anything is possible with both teams searching to make a move.
Statistically, the deal makes sense. Bargnani would help Chicago, addressing the teams struggle in 3-point shooting this season. He is a force of an outside shooter, despite shooting the NBA average of 36 percent from behind the 3-point line. He is a player that could really stretch the floor for them. At 27-years old, Bargnani is considered to have a lot of growing room as a player. He can be figured to be an effective pick-and-roll partner for Derrick Rose, who is expected to return after the All-Star break.
It has been thought that the Bulls might try to release Boozer at the season's end, but he is turning out to be one of the team's most productive players, averaging 19.5 points and 10.1 rebounds per game in the month of January. his performance lately has make up for the absent Rose. Partnering with Rudy Gay could prove profitable for the Raptors if they can afford to have both players on the team.
Money seems to be the biggest reason for the trade. Bargnani contract would offer relief to the Bulls. The forward makes $5 million less that Boozer. The team is currently $3.2 million over the luxury tax. The deal for the two players would clearly involve other players with smaller contracts as well. This could cut Chicago's payroll just enough to allow them to avoid paying the tax. Toronto has already committed a large sum of money to Rudy Gay and Boozer will be owed $32 million over the next two seasons. the team is unlikely to be able to have both players at their current contracts.
The NBA trade deadline is approaching on Feb. 21 and both teams are looking to be aggressive with the two players. The Raptors will be limited to options with Bargnani who has fallen out of favor with the team since being the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2006 and is highly overpaid for his abilities. Chicago could attempt to deal a smaller player for nothing or let Carlos Boozer go for nothing in the summer.