Chicago Bulls willing to trade Carlos Boozer for Andrea Bargnani any time before deadline

The Chicago Bulls are willing to swap Carlos Boozer for Andrea Bargnani any time before the February 21 trade deadline, according to Bulls beat writer K.C. Johnson.

League sources said last week the Raptors were told the Carlos Boozer and Nate Robinson deal for Andrea Bargnani and John Lucas III was available whenever they wanted it.

That move could take the Bulls below the luxury-tax threshold. Surely the Bulls would like to avoid paying tax if Rose doesn't play this season.

Standing in the way of a potential deal is whether Toronto can financially afford to have Boozer and Gay on the same team.

Bargnani is in the midst of another injury-plagued season -- the worst statistically of the last four seasons (averaging 14.8 points and 3.8 rebounds).

Photo:  Keith Allison.