Bulls sign two-time All-Star Carlos Boozer away from Jazz

Bulls sign F Carlos Boozer

CHICAGO — Carlos Boozer is now officially a member of the Chicago Bulls.

The Bulls announced Thursday they have signed the forward away from the Utah Jazz, giving them a two-time All-Star and the dominant big man they’ve craved for years.

Boozer agreed Wednesday to the deal, which several outlets reported is worth roughly $75 million over five years. The team did not disclose terms.

“I feel we have the talent here to begin competing for a title and I cannot wait to get started,” Boozer said.

The Bulls figure to be better after back-to-back first-round playoff exits. They already have an All-Star point guard in Derrick Rose and one of the leading rebounders in Joakim Noah, and with enough salary-cap room to lure two major stars, the Bulls figured to be a major player in free agency.

They made a big splash on Wednesday, after Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh decided to team together in Miami instead of Chicago. By landing Boozer, the Bulls ensured they wouldn’t go away empty-handed.

“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 in a statement. “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.”

Most years, Boozer might be the top free agent, but this is like no other offseason. Teams did all they could to clear salary cap room to go after the stars, and the Bulls were no exception.

They made a big move by landing Boozer, who spent six years with Utah and averaged 19.5 points and 11.2 rebounds last season. His arrival gives the Bulls a big man who will attract double-teams, taking some pressure off Rose, and another double-double player to go with Noah.

Although he sometimes clashed with management and was limited by injuries in three of his six years with the Jazz, Boozer played in 78 games the past season. His arrival in Utah came after an awkward exit from Cleveland following the 2003-04 season.

The Cavaliers, who could have exercised a one-year option after Boozer’s second season, thought they had a six-year, $41 million agreement in place and let him hit the market. Boozer wound up accepting a six-year, $68 million dollar contract as a restricted free agent that they chose not to match.

The Cavaliers’ general manager at the time was Jim Paxson, who is now a Bulls scout and consultant. And his brother John Paxson is Chicago’s executive vice president of basketball operations.