Boozer on 3-way Trade?

There is talk that Utah’s Carlos Boozer may be on his way to the Bulls in a 3-team deal where Kirk Hinrich goes to Portland and Tyrus Thomas to Utah. Although it is still very preliminary at this point, and the teams are still exploring other possible options, the deal would create a very interesting scenario, especially for Portland and possibly Chicago.

Looking at the main proponents this is one trade where all parties, to a certain degree, get what they want. The Blazers have long wanted Hinrich who would give them a good, young point guard that can score, something that Steve Blake is less known for. For Hinrich, it’s a good move as it allows him to get out of Chicago where everyone knows he won’t be able to unseat Derrick Rose. As a result, Portland, with the deal, would put themselves close to the elite teams vying for the championship.

In Chicago’s case, you finally get that front court presence that they have lacked over the years. The bruiser in Boozer, not to mention his potential 20 points and 10 rebounds a game will give them good firepower, which is needed after Ben Gordon’s departure. If all goes well, as the Bulls would hope, they’d have a good foundation on which to build upon with Rose and Boozer.

Utah on the other hand, gets to get rid of Boozer, who has been unhappy there for a while now. Also, they get to save money from Boozers $12 million plus contract next year. In Thomas, they get an athletic, young forward who should be able to work within the Utah system. And who knows, with the money saved up from trading Boozer, coupled by the free agency market’s lack of interest in giving Paul Millsap the contract he desires, we might just see Millsap back in a Utah uniform. This time as a starter, with Thomas as his backup. Definitely intriguing.