Utah Jazz power forward Carlos Boozer told a Chicago radio station Tuesday that he expects to be traded "relatively soon" and would "love" to play for the Bulls."
In an interview on WMVP, Boozer also confirmed a story first reported by The Salt Lake Tribune that he recently talked to Jazz officials about his future and was told the team planned to go "in a different direction" -- a decision he "respected." "We mutually agreed to work out a trade that was beneficial for them and beneficial for me and my family," said Boozer. "So with that being said, I'm going to be traded relatively soon -- or in good time."
Boozer had not spoken publicly since deciding June 30 to play the final year of his contract at $12.7 million rather than opting for free agency.
Chicago, Miami, Detroit, New York and Golden State are possible destinations for the Jazz forward. Dallas might have joined the group of suitors Monday after its offer sheet to restricted free agent center Marcin Gortat was matched by Orlando.
According to Boozer, he "definitely heard a little rumbling" about a possible trade involving Utah and the Bulls.
"Whether it will go down or not, that's kind of between the Jazz and Chicago," he said. "But obviously, if I did get traded to Chicago, I'd love to be part of the Bulls."
Why?
Boozer called the Bulls "a great organization, top-notch from top to bottom. They do things very professionally there. At the same time, they have a good group of talent there. ...
"If I was able to come there, I'd bring a lot, especially in the low post and being a leader as well. We'll see what happens.
Reached Tuesday afternoon, Jazz vice president Kevin O'Connor was asked about Boozer's declaration that he anticipates being traded.
"No comment," O'Connor said.
In Utah, Boozer played with Olympic point guard Deron Williams.
In Chicago, point guard Derrick Rose was the NBA's Rookie of the Year.
"They're both big-body point guards [with] incredible speed and quickness," Boozer said. "... I see a lot of similarities."
Boozer called Rose "probably the most athletic point guard I've seen. He grew up a lot during the course of [last] season [and] had a monster playoff series -- a memorable one -- with Boston.
"Bright future. Very talented. Very humble. I love his demeanor. He never seems shaken, never seems too excited. He always has the same Tim Duncan look. You never know if you're up by 20 or down by 20."
Boozer signed with the Jazz prior to the 2004-05 season.
His best seasons in Utah were the ones when he managed to stay injury-free.
In 2006-07, when the Jazz reached the Western Conference finals, Boozer averaged 20.9 points and 11.7 rebounds in 74 games. In 2007-08, he averaged 21.1 points and 10.4 rebounds in 81 games.
Injuries, however, have been a constant problem for Boozer.
In Utah, he played in 276 regular-season games but missed 134 because of injuries.
Asked if he can stay healthy, Boozer told the Bulls' flagship station, "Absolutely. I've had a couple of spells, injuries that I can't control. But my body feels 100 percent. I'm healthy and doing really well.
"I'm looking forward to next season so much -- to prove to everybody that I can play through the whole season and, at the same time, to dominate again. So I'm looking forward to it.
One problem the Jazz face in trying to trade Boozer involves his contract.
After declining the chance to opt-out and become a free agent this summer, Boozer is owed $12.7 million for next season.
He becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2010, meaning any team acquiring him would probably like assurances he will sign an extension.
"I'd definitely be open to signing an extension" with the Bulls, Boozer said. "... That would be something me and my agent would explore right away."
?
Reporter Ross Siler contributed to this story
