The Chicago Bulls and the New York Knicks both ended their seasons in disappointing fashion and are ready to make big moves in free agency. It just so happens the Chicago Bulls have their eyes on one of the Knicks top players who is entering free agency. As the team preps to make a full-scale run at Carmelo Anthony, could the Bulls strike a deal with the Knicks that benefits both teams?
Anthony says he will test free agency, but is keeping his options open. That includes a return to the Knicks or possibly a jump to Chicago. The Bulls believe they have a good chance at landing the guard. According to ESPN's Marc Stein, the Bulls do not stand a chance unless they make key roster moves to free up space. Anthony is looking to join a winning team, but also get paid. Chicago could be a winning team, but at the moment cannot afford the All-Star. However, what if Chicago and New York put together a deal?
Stein reports that one of the best ways Chicago could get Anthony is through a sign-and-trade deal. The Bulls could make it work. The team is currently shopping Boozer in trade deals before resorting to using the amnesty clause on him in order to shed his $16.8 million cap hit. The Knicks could get Boozer and wrap in JR Smith to Chicago. This would hinge on the chance that the Knicks are willing to bring on Boozer with Tyson Chandler and Amar'e Stoudemire on the roster, unless that changes as well.
This is all speculation right now. The Bulls have to make a call on Boozer quickly. The NBA's amnesty window ranges from Jul 10-16. If they are going to trade him, a deal must be made by Jul 15 or else he is getting released. The Bulls would ideally like to get something in return for Boozer as would the Knicks with Anthony. The trade could make sense but the likelihood is very slim.
The Los Angeles Lakers are also keeping their eyes on Boozer. The team does not really have any trade pieces so would not try to strike a deal with Chicago, but could pick up Boozer if he falls onto the free agent market, look for Los Angeles to be players in a deal.
