Chicago Bulls: What The Franchise Needs to Do With Carlos Boozer
The Chicago Bulls have a huge decision to make with power forward Carlos Boozer. Photo Credit: Keith Allison, Flickr.com
The Chicago Bulls are doing well despite two issues; 1) Derrick Rose and 2) Carlos Boozer making waves in ways they didn’t expect.
Boozer is making $15 million from his five-year, $75 million contract. He is 31 years old and his production value is steadily declining. However, Boozer still rakes it in for a power forward.
Boozer scores 15.4 points and grabs 9.2 rebounds per game, not too shabby for a man who’s in his 11th year in the NBA. The issue isn’t his production; it’s the contract and fan reaction.
Fans have a love-hate relationship with Boozer. They’ve been angry with him almost since the minute he put on a Bulls’ uniform. The regular season may be too much to criticize Boozer for, but the playoffs are a different story.
Boozer has averaged 12.9 points and 9.2 rebounds per game for the Bulls during the playoffs. It’s not terrible, but hardly the performance from the man the Bulls were expecting during the postseason. If his production is declining, then maybe it’s time for the Bulls to cut their losses.
The Bulls could cut Boozer using the amnesty clause. Teams cutting players who would put them over the salary cap can use the amnesty clause. Teams choose these players by bidding on them for a certain amount. Among those amnestied were Chauncey Billups, Gilbert Arenas and Elton Brand.
With no holds barred, this could be a smart move for the Bulls. They have a power forward who isn’t living up to his contract and is still generating the wrong reactions from fans. Boozer isn’t the most hated man in Chicago–he deserves better and frankly, the Bulls deserve better.
The Bulls need to end this charade and amnesty Carlos Boozer. It would work out for both parties in the long haul. Time to sever all ties.