1. JT losing out on playing time

and

2. I think it’s much more likely that we get better value out of KTEC at the trade deadline than a 1 year rental of Boozer.

Other than that I think Boozer would go a long way in bringing toughnes and rebounding.

But, it’s fun to dream.

One more thing to consider – the expiring contract of Boozer > the expiring contract of Kenny Thomas. That is, Boozer could fetch even more at the trade deadline than Thomas were the KIngs inclined to move him. In other words, the Kings and Boozer could have a 3 1/2 month trial period before deciding whether this would be a good long term fit.

What does this do to the rest of the market for free agents? I know Sam said that we’re not going to be active, but there might be a deal out there that we can’t afford not to make. If you have to overpay by 20% to convince a free agent to come to Sacramento, then you might as well do it while the market is depressed by 20% (or whatever).

The Bucks just opted out of extending Charlie Villanueva for $4.6M. What would it take to get him? He’s 24, 6’11", highly skilled with huge mismatch potential, doesn’t duplicate JT or Hawes but could play with both, and the price he can demand is in the gutter. Isn’t this exactly the kind of move we need to make?

The idea is great in theory. In practice I don’t really see Boozer as part of the long term future of the team given his age (27 but with a lot of injury mileage) and given his likely contract demands after next season and I doubt he would either. So you get one year of Contract Year Carlos Boozer, likely not giving a shit about the team, his teammates, and anything but making sure his stats look good for his big 2010 payday.

Adding the most mercenary of players to a young lineup isn’t really an idea I can get behind. I’d rather have Fesenko, who obviously is not as good of a player, but who at least fits into the direction of the team.

Miami had/has an interest in Boozer, they also have a very large expiring contract who happens to play a position of need for the Kings. Perhaps I’m crazy but if the Kings can parlay KTEC into Boozer, I could see Boozer and say Beno going to Miami in exchange for a washed up JO, who would provide front court depth, without stealing anyone’s minutes, as well as one hell of a sexy expiring contract come trade deadline time. Not to mention the fringe benefits of ridding ourselves of a MLE mistake. Note: I don’t think the salaries match up right so perhaps we’d have to do a sign and trade with one of our previously expired types a la McCants (I know Miami wouldn’t want him he was just an off the cuff example.)

It doesn’t have to be JO, Boozer could be parlayed into anyone else, I was just using him as an example because A) He plays D B) He plays a position of need and C) He has one hell of an expiring contract, and D) He would potentially let us dump a lesser player who may not fit into our long term plans in Beno.

Well what does everyone think of my bold stroke of insanity?

any theory that dismisses acquiring a particular player – even if for one season, at potentially little to no cost – because it could decrease a team’s lottery odds is fundamentally flawed. This franchise has had lottery selections for the past three seasons. Petrie is not going to dismiss an opportunity to improve the team’s overall assets simply because they could potentially fall from 4th to 10th in the draft the following year.

Boozer is a skilled rebounder and finisher around the basket. He’s not a terrific interior passer but he’s decent. He is, however, a terrible defender and a non-factor in terms of shot-blocking. If the Kings are looking to improve their defense and “toughness” factor, as suggested with their draft selections, Boozer isn’t going to help much in those areas. But he is a very significant asset in terms of possible trade-deadline moves – more so than Thomas’ contract or Nocioni – and for that reason this idea requires some consideration from the Kings.

I haven’t read up on the rumors following Boozer’s opt-in, but I imagine the Warriors also have to be interested. If their talks with the Suns and ended, but they’re still looking to improve their interior scoring/rebounding (while preferably keeping Biedrins, Curry and Randolph) then they might be able to put a package together to acquire Boozer instead. I know the Jazz have coveted Maggette for several years.

One, it gives us a legit big in our rotation, and also adds some much needed toughness and rebounding.

Two, Boozer is much better competition for Spencer and JT to play against in practice than Ike Diogu or Kenny Thomas, thus probably helping to further their development as players. Boozer might be able to help with low post moves as well. Don’t underestimate practice. Look how well Marcin Gortat has been playing. He has Patrick Ewing on the sidelines and plays with Dwight Howard.

Three, Boozer’s contract, as has been stated, is a much more attractive contract at the deadline than Kenny Thomas. Unlike Kenny, Boozer is an Expiring that actually has some worth. Perhaps a playoff team ends up willing to give up some assets for him at the deadline. Also, at the end of the year, Boozer’s contract takes more off the cap for us than Kenny’s does.

I simply can’t cheer for a guy like this.