The Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors are discussing a trade that, at the heart, would be a swap of Andrea Bargnani and Carlos Boozer, according to ESPN's Marc Stein. While the talks are considered "exploratory" at this point, such a trade is intriguing on a few fronts.
NBA Trade Rumors 2013: Bulls, Raptors discuss swapping Carlos Boozer, Andrea Bargnani
The Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors are discussing a trade involving big men Carlos Boozer and Andrea Bargnani.
Rob Grabowski-US PRESSWIRE
Bulls beat writer K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune reports that it was the Bulls who initiated the talks, but it is “unlikely” anything comes of it.
For more on the story, visit Raptors HQ and Blog-a-Bull
Stein reports that both teams have given consideration to the deal that involves two talented but often-questioned big men. Boozer has always taken heat by failing to fit in with the defensive-minded Bulls, and Bargnani has shown no signs of shedding the label as a soft, perimeter-oriented big man.
Bargnani returned Wednesday from and elbow injury and during his time out was largely considered a trade chip. He could be useful to the Bulls because he can help them run a pick-and-roll all while spreading the floor alongside center Joakim Noah. The addition would also ease Chicago's salary-cap situation.
Boozer would be an upgrade for Toronto, but one sticking point for the Raptors is his large salary, according to Stein. The Raptors would be crunched a bit having just acquired the large contract of Rudy Gay from the Memphis Grizzlies.
Such a trade would require smaller pieces being thrown into the mix to work financially.
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