Report: Bulls, Raptors exploring Carlos Boozer-for-Andrea Bargnani deal

The Bulls and Raptors are exploring a trade of Carlos Boozer for Andrea Bargnai, according to a source familiar with the discussions in a report by Marc Stein of ESPN.com.

Other player contracts would have to be included in the deal to fit both teams' salary caps.

The discussions could be the Bulls' first attempt to fine-tune for the return of Derrick Rose from knee surgery after the All-Star break. Bargnani, the first overall pick of the 2006 NBA Draft, has been a disappointment in Toronto. Raptors fans greeted him with a chorus of boos Wednesday night upon his return from an elbow injury that kept him sidelined 26 games.

Bargnani could provide another pick-and-roll option for the Bulls and help improve their woeful 3-point shooting. He is also contracted for $5 million less than Boozer this season.

The Raptors' recent acquisition of Rudy Gay from the Grizzlies could hamper the proposed trade if the franchise decides the additional payroll Boozer brings would be too much.