The Chicago Bulls season is officially over. Ending in disappointing fashion, the team is now left to try and make several roster moves before targeting top free agents like Carmelo Anthony. The Bulls are not looking to have another season that ends quickly in the postseason, but will need to shift a few long-time players in order to fix needs. Carlos Boozer could find that out the hard way.
The future of Carlos Boozer has been in doubt for some time now. During the NBA trading period, Boozer's name was being circulated among multiple rumors. It was then reported the Bulls would likely amnesty Boozer in an effort to sweep away his remaining salary owed and free up space for marquee players. Now with the Bulls officially in offseason, mode, will the forward be released or traded?
According to Marc Stein of ESPN.com, the Chicago Bulls will attempt to trade Boozer before using the amnesty clause to cut him. Numbers wise, cutting Boozer does not hurt too badly. Boozer will be a free agent in 2015, set to earn 16.8 million. He would not count against the team's books, but they would still have to pay. The amnesty clause wipes away all of that. However, Boozer has some value despite his recent struggles and the Bulls would like to get something in return.
Chicago has to move quickly on Boozer. The amnesty window for the NBA is July 10-16. If the Bulls are going to trade him, they essentially have to get a deal in place by the 15th or else they will release him by the 16th. That is not a lot of time in the NBA world considering the postseason runs until June. So where could he land?
Boozer is represented by the same agent as Kobe Bryant. The Los Angeles Lakers immediately become a target. However, while the Lakers are looking to be buyers this offseason, they do not have much when it comes to trade pieces considering over half their roster can become free agents. With Pau Gasol on the outs, Boozer could step right in. Stein also brings up the idea of a sign-and-trade for Carmelo Anthony. The Bulls could take on JR Smith and get Anthony if New York is willing to take on Boozer once again.
Chicago has their eyes on plenty of free agents. They are ready to make a serious move towards Anthony. LeBron James is certainly an option if he opts out of his Heat contract. If they are going to get either player, something has to be done for Boozer.