The Chicago Bulls are expected to be major players in free agency when it comes to acquiring the big names such as Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James; despite a loaded roster, the Bulls can create a wealth of cap space by using their amnesty clause on power forward Carlos Boozer.
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Boozer played the fewest minutes of his career since his rookie season last year, as his defensive limitations kept him anchored to the bench in the fourth quarters of games while the younger Taj Gibson replaced him. Still, he proved useful with averages of 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds in the limited action.
He is owed $16.8 million this season if he's kept, and if amnestied, the remaining teams would be able to bid for his services with the Bulls covering the difference without the money counting against their cap. If they waived Boozer, they'd clear about $9.7 million in cap space, but according to ESPN, a sign-and-trade could clear about $20 million.
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Gibson emerged as a very capable replacement in the same amount of minutes Boozer played, averaging 13 points and six rebounds. The per 36 minutes numbers for both favor Boozer, but don't account for his struggles against post scorers and in help defense.
Chicago is rumored to be chasing not only Anthony, but Pau Gasol as well so the sign-and-trade route is appealing. With $20 million-plus in cap space, the Knicks may even be inclined to include an asset like Iman Shumpert or Tim Hardaway Jr. in the package if Chicago's willing to assume J.R. Smith's deal. For a squad that lacked offensive punch for the past two seasons that must also worry at all times about Derrick Rose's health, adding Carmelo plus a microwave scorer like Smith off the bench might be appealing.
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