Bulls would still like to sign LeBron James, but the deal with Boozer means they'd have to do some salary cap-related maneuvering to have the space for James.
Carlos Boozer will add scoring and rebounding, along with erratic defense, to the Chicago Bulls.The Chicago Bulls will not be shut out in the free agency sweepstakes, apparently. And, their hand could be strengthened in their hopes of luring LeBron James as they have agreed to a contract with Carlos Boozer.
To get James too, though, Chicago would have to do some inventive maneuvering to create the necessary salary cap space for him.
The Chicago pact with Boozer is according to an ESPN report that cites NBA sources. Boozer, a high-statistical producer in the scoring and rebounding categories, is a 6-8 power forward who has played the last six years with the Utah Jazz. He left the Cavaliers, allegedly after a wink-and-nod agreement to stay with them, after playing his first two years in Cleveland.
An ESPN.com report includes:
Carlos Boozer is the latest domino to fall, agreeing to a five-year, $80 million contract with the Chicago Bulls, a source close to the negotiations told ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher on Wednesday.
Boozer follows agreements by premier free agents Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami, Amare Stoudemire with the Knicks and Joe Johnson in Atlanta.
The Bulls are still in the running for LeBron James, who is going to make an announcement Thursday on ESPN. But Chicago would have to do some creative financing to fit the superstar under the cap after this deal.