SATURDAY, 11:56am: Doug Smith of the Toronto Star reports that the Raptors have "no interest" in trading for Boozer or his contract.
FRIDAY, 12:05pm: Although the Raptors and Bulls discussed a potential swap involving Carlos Boozer and Andrea Bargnani earlier this season, reports have indicated that talks aren't currently active. However, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune, there's an offer on the table from the Bulls that the Raptors could revisit if they choose.
Johnson reports that the Raptors were told that a deal of Boozer and Nate Robinson for Bargnani and John Lucas III is available whenever they want it. While a Boozer/Bargnani swap wouldn't be permitted under the league's trade rules, the addition of Robinson's minimum salary and Lucas' $1.5MM salary would make it work.
The duo of Boozer and Robinson has significantly outperformed Bargnani and Lucas on the floor this season, but such a deal would appeal to the Bulls based on its financial implications — the hypothetical trade would allow Chicago to slip below the luxury tax threshold this season. Additionally, although Boozer and Bargnani are both under contract through 2015, Bargnani is owed $22.25MM over the next two seasons, while Boozer will make $32.1MM.
If the Raptors were to accept the Bulls' offer, it would likely make Toronto a taxpayer this season and next, significantly reducing the team's ability to make other moves.
if the bulls make this deal i will stop watching til mirotic comes over
This is the definition of a lose-lose trade.
I totally agree. Raptors pay lux tax and are more financially committed allowing for less future flexibility. Bulls get worse defensively and allowed to spend more on a better PF, like who? Maybe if you can get Paul Milsap, and do another trade. Ther aren’t many PF’s who are better than boozer and fit with chicago’s style
The Bulls wouldn’t have any money to spend on a PF of note anyway. They will likely be over the cap even with the savings they would get from this trade. If you mean by trade then you would be robbing Peter to pay Paul.
Who cares about salary and flexibility in long term? What the raptors fans right now is get rid of primo pasta, win every game and make a play off. The new owner are willing to pay anyway.
good deal for the raps. nobody wants bargs, and boozer’s massive expiring contract will be a great trade asset. since no impact free agents want to sign with Toronto anyway, the only way to get one is through trade/draft. and since we won’t get a top 3 pick, or a 1st rounder at all it seems (OKC has the rights) then Boozer is the only chance we will get. next year, teams who devalue their studs will want to move them, and we may be able to sneak in a great trade (like the Gay trade).
you realize boozers contract has 2 more years after this year so its not expiring anytime soon