By Michael Levkowitz & Thomas Johnson (From Nyfwc.com - full story: Sources Should Say: Carlos Boozer Trades That Make Sense)
"Morey has been biding his time looking for a talented (and preferably marketable) big man since Yao Ming’s retirement. Boozer is no Dwight Howard…but he shouldn’t exactly cost "the house." Kevin Martin is certainly still a potent offensive player, but he clashed with coach Kevin McHale, plus he’s in the last year of his contract and he hasn’t exactly expressed interest in taking a discount to stay in Houston. Is Boozer a big enough prize for Morey to justify parting with K-Mart and the still developing Patrick Patterson?
Boozer seemed to fit in reasonably well alongside Asik in Chicago, and would certainly fit in real well alongside Lin on the new Billboards around Houston. He’s still a top-10 power forward in the league, and paired with Asik, the Rockets could be assured of holding their own on the boards every night. More importantly, he can score from down low. Beyond Boozer, don’t sleep on the value of the Bulls’ upcoming draft pick. That team could well end up high in the lottery even if they don’t choose to openly tank, and we all know how much Daryl Morey loves his draft picks…
Chicago upgrades the shooting guard position significantly (something it seems they’ve been trying to do since they let Ben Gordon leave in free agency), while ridding itself of the under-achieving Boozer contract. Many Chicago fans genuinely believe that their team looked most dangerous when Taj was starting while Boozer was out with an injury; the hope is that Gibson will blossom with increased minutes and freedom. Ideally Patterson, who people smarter than myself seem to believe has a much higher ceiling than Gibson ever did,will push Taj for minutes, and one of the two will stick.
Martin can hit open shots in rhythm, and create with some efficiency at the end of the shot clock when necessary. Once Rose returns, the team would instantly return to the title conversation. In the mean time, Martin could well push Chicago damn close to the playoffs, and would certainly help the team continue to put an entertaining team on the floor during Rose’s absence."
To read the rest of the article (with Boozer to Sacramento and Brooklyn scenarios) click here
