Jazz forward Carlos Boozer broke his public silence Tuesday, saying in an interview with the Chicago Bulls' radio flagship station that he expected to be traded from Utah.
"Yeah, I do," Boozer said. "I had a talk with the Jazz . The Jazz told me they want to go in a different direction and I respect their decision. 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 made his comments to the morning show on WMVP 1000 in Chicago. Amid speculation that he will be traded for Kirk Hinrich, Boozer said, "I'd love to be a part of the Bulls."
Boozer had not spoken publicly since deciding June 30 to play the final year of his contract at $12.7 million rather than opting for free agency. He was asked in the interview about his feelings about the Bulls organization.
"Great organization, top notch from top to bottom," Boozer said. "They do things very professionally there.
"At the same time they have a good group of talent there. Obviously with Derrick Rose at the helm and being Rookie of the Year last year and having some very good talent around him. Very good team. If I was able to come there, I'd bring a lot, especially in the low post and being a leader as well. We'll see what happens."
Boozer also suggested he would be open to signing a long-term extension with Chicago.
"I'd definitely be open to signing an extension and be locked into a team," Boozer said. "Obviously, one that wanted me to be there in the future and one I thought would have a chance to succeed. That would be something me and my agent would explore right away."
rsiler@sltrib.com
