Carlos Boozer officially became a member of the Chicago Bulls, who convinced the two-time NBA all-star to leave the Utah Jazz for the Windy City.
Boozer agreed to a deal reportedly worth US$75 million over five years on Thursday. The team did not disclose the exact terms.
“I feel we have the talent here to begin competing for a title and I cannot wait to get started,” Boozer said.
Boozer is expected to compliment point guard Derrick Rose and forward Joakim Noah nicely.
Chicago signed the free agent with the hope he would be able get them into the second round of the playoffs after two consecutive first round exits.
The Bulls had also tried but failed to convince free agents LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to switch teams as all three ended up together in Miami.
“We are confident that his skill set, toughness and leadership are all qualities that make him a great fit for the Bulls, and he will add a low-post element to our team that we have been searching for,” Bulls general manager Gar Forman said.
“Post players, with the skills that Carlos possesses, are at a premium in the NBA and we believe that we have landed one of the best big men in the NBA,” Forman said.
Boozer spent six years with Utah, averaging 19.5 points and 11.2 rebounds last season.
In other signings on Thursday, the Orlando Magic have inked point guard Chris Duhon and the Milwaukee Bucks signed their 2010 first-round entry draft pick forward Larry Sanders.
One of the biggest winners on Thursday was Joe Johnson, who officially signed a six-year deal with Atlanta, giving the Hawks’ four-time all-star an average of more than US$20 million per year.
Dallas also reached an agreement with free-agent center Brendan Haywood, who will receive as much as US$55 million over six years.
All-star David Lee is headed from the New York Knicks to the Golden State Warriors in a sign-and-trade deal.
Lee’s agent said he would receive a six-year,US$80 million contract. The Knicks get forwards Anthony Randolph, Kelenna Azubuike and Ronny Turiaf.
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