Power Forward Swap?

Less than 24 hours ago, the latest in the endless carousel of NBA trade rumors struck, this one involving the Bulls and Raptors.  There have reportedly been discussions involving Carlos Boozer heading north in exchange for former top pick Andrea Bargnani.  As expected, several fans have become giddy at the prospect.  You get rid of Boozer and maybe finally have that second scoring option to compliment Derrick Rose, especially from outside.

Of course, the rumor is nothing more than, well, a rumor.  The Raptors just took on Rudy Gay's large contract and Boozer's isn't exactly peanuts.  They're a franchise desperately looking for a spark, as they haven't had many since entering the league.  To have two big salaries on the books could be something they can ill afford at the moment.  Bargnani is said to be looking for a change of scenery, as is his team's fan base.  Without money considerations, this would be a perfect match on paper.  That's not how the NBA works though.

From the Bulls' standpoint, you have to remember John Paxson's past hesitance to sign off on deals that would swap his previous acquisitions for bigger names.  Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol are two names that immediately come to mind.  He would also rather not disrupt chemistry, which has been surprisingly remarkable without Derrick Rose.  Boozer is finally playing up to that contract, at least close to it.  Many may jump on this front office for not taking big chances once in awhile.  That's just how it is though. 

Swapping big contracts is often risky business.  This particular situation is iffy.  Bargnani is struggling after an elbow injury forced him to miss 26 games.  We don't know how Boozer will finish the season or what he'll do over the final two years of his deal.  It would be nice if both could live up to their billing at the same time.  Otherwise, we might not be talking about this.  But in this time when many want to amnesty Boozer and the top pick of the 2006 draft isn't welcome where his career began anymore, it adds up to this discussion.

After giving up the most points in the Tom Thibodeau era against the Nuggets last night, the road trip wraps up tonight against the Utah Jazz.  All trade talks will subside for the time being while the Bulls try to snap their two-game losing streak.  You want to come home with a bit of momentum, especially when the Spurs will be waiting for you Monday.  Maybe the roster will be slightly different by then, though I'm not putting money on it.