Jazz power forward Boozer has Bulls in mind

Carlos Boozer went on the radio Tuesday and gave what amounted to a job interview for the Bulls.

The Utah Jazz power forward, appearing on WMVP's "Waddle and Silvy Show," casually mentioned that he expects to be traded soon, would love to play for the Bulls and is good friends with Miami star Dwyane Wade, a Chicago native and potential free-agent target in 2010.

"The Jazz told me they want to go in a different direction, and I respect their decision," Boozer said. "We mutually agreed to work out a trade that was beneficial for them and beneficial for my family and me. So with that being said, I'm going to be traded relatively soon or in good time."

Boozer certainly would fill the Bulls' need for a post scorer. He has averaged more than 20 points and 10 rebounds in two of the last three seasons. On the down side, he missed 45 games last season with a knee injury.

"I'm healthy and doing really well," he said. "I'm looking forward to next season so much to prove to everybody that I can play through the whole season and at the same time dominate again."

Boozer could have become a free agent this summer but chose not to opt out of the final year of his contract worth $12.7 million. He's on target to become a free agent next year but suggested he'd be open to signing a long-term extension with a new team.

Utah has until Friday to decide whether to match Portland's offer sheet for power forward Paul Millsap, worth a reported $32 million over four years. Most observers expect the Jazz to keep Millsap and trade Boozer.

Most likely, Utah will work hard to involve a third team that can absorb some salary in any trade, because the Jazz will be facing an $11 million luxury-tax bill by re-signing Millsap. Memphis and Oklahoma City still have cap room, while Portland will have money available if Millsap is out of the picture.

Kirk Hinrich and Tyrus Thomas are the most likely players for the Bulls to offer in a trade, though it's unlikely they would give up both without getting another guard in return.

"I'd love to be a part of the Bulls," Boozer said. "If I was able to come there, I'd bring a lot, especially in the low post and being a leader. We'll see what happens. - If it happens, I'll be very happy."

By trading Hinrich, the Bulls could be in position to add Boozer and still have enough salary-cap room to pursue a free agent, such as Wade, next summer.

"Me and D-Wade are very close," Boozer said. "We talk quite a bit, but that's a decision he has to make with himself. Obviously, if I did come to the Bulls - I'd love to have D-Wade play for us. D-Wade is like me and wants to win a championship bad."