Chicago Bulls Amnesty LeBron James' Replacement Carlos Boozer

According to multiple reports, the Chicago Bulls have used their NBA amnesty clause to release their long-time star, Carlos Boozer. Four years ago they pursued LeBron James, but ultimately settled for Boozer. However, with the team going in a different direction and slightly rebuilding, they knew they'd have amnesty their big man. They will instantly remove his $16.8 million salary from their cap sheet.

With the Bulls making a lot of other signings it was clear they needed to save money, and Boozer presented the easiest option. Considering he won't fit in to their team as well as he has in the past, this move makes sense on-the-court as well as off it. The Bulls wanted to trade Boozer, as they didn't want to pay the star to be released. His salary is taken off the sheet, yet he still gets paid, meaning it's happy days for Boozer, who will likely gain an attractive offer from a playoff contender.

One option may be the Miami Heat, who are looking to spend their leftover money from not resigning NBA superstar James. Could the Heat land Boozer? Originally he was signed to a five-year, $82 million deal, but he slowly declined as a player. Now both his strengths and weaknesses show a notable decrease, but some team will still sign him, obviously on a lot less money, though.

Was this the right move for the Chicago Bulls? Can Boozer still contribute in the NBA, or will his days be numbered? Perhaps he will replace LeBron for real this time.