Running With The Bulls: Boozer Headed To Chicago

(Chicago, Il) -- Until last night many people throughout the NBA thought that Dwyane Wade would return to his hometown to lead the Bulls, but all dreams were squashed when he and Chris Bosh announced they were teaming up and heading to South Beach to hold down the Miami Heat.

Chicago, not wanting to be left out, acted quickly signing power forward Carlos Boozer to a five-year $80 million dollar deal. Boozer, who has spent the last six seasons with the Utah Jazz will join a team with some of the best young talent in the league and lead an ever evolving front court due with Joakim Noah.

The Bulls attempted to acquire the eight year pro at the trading deadline last season but Utah brass made it clear their attempts to resign Boozer. With the deal Chicago takes themselves out of the running for must-get free agent LeBron James. James is announcing his new destination tomorrow night on a one-hour special taking place on the ESPN network of stations.

Carlos averaged a double-double last season with 20.5 points and 11.2 reb per game. Despite being a low post player he has improved his jump shot in recent years improving to a career high 56.2% last season. Chicago will now have to find a wing player to bring in.

The team has plenty of salary cap room to play with and have interest in mid level players like Mike Miller. The Bulls came into the free agent market with the third most available money to spend at $32 million.

With Boozer going to Chicago this leaves a distinct hole in the front court of the Jazz as they spend their first round selection on the Gordon Hayward from Butler. Most expect forward Paul Millsap to get the job but don't count out a mid-level free agent signing for the Jazz.

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