The Bulls used the amnesty clause Tuesday to cut forward Carlos Boozer after four seasons with the team.
Chicago also waived forward Lou Amundson and guards Ronnie Brewer and Mike James as the Bulls try to clear salary-cap space for the signing of Pau Gasol and 2011 draft pick Nikola Mirotic.
Boozer went to Chicago in a sign-and-trade deal with the Jazz in July 2010. He averaged 15.5 points and nine rebounds in 280 games with the Bulls.
Boozer had one year left on a five-year deal worth around $75 million. The amnesty clause allows the Bulls to release a player during the current labor deal and have 100 percent of his salary taken off the cap. Boozer is still owed the money, however.
“Carlos epitomized professionalism in everything he did for the Bulls both on the court, and in the community, during his time here in Chicago,” general manager Gar Forman said in a release. “Over the last four seasons, Carlos’ productivity helped elevate our team to another level. I have nothing but respect for Carlos, and certainly wish him the best as he moves forward.”
— Heat coach Erik Spoelstra spoke Tuesday for the first time since LeBron James decided to leave Miami to rejoin the Cavaliers. Although he said he was surprised by James’ decision, Spoelstra showed no animosity toward the superstar.
“He seemed at peace with the decision,” Spoelstra told reporters after the Heat’s summer league game in Las Vegas. “We don’t have any regrets. He shouldn’t have any regrets. It was a historic four-year run.”
Spoelstra won two titles with James during a four-year run that included four-straight NBA Finals appearances.
— At least the Heat will have two-thirds of their “Big Three” back next season.
Less than a week after James’ decision and Chris Bosh returned to Miami, Dwyane Wade signed a two-year deal with the Heat on Tuesday designed to give Wade and the team some flexibility in the coming years.
The second of the two seasons on Wade’s contract is a player option, according to The Associated Press.
Financial terms were not announced, though it’s expected Wade’s 2014-15 salary will not reach the $20.2 million he would have made on his previous deal.
“I am proud to have spent every single day of my career as a member of the Miami Heat and to have brought three championship titles to this great city,” Wade said in a statement. “I’ve been here through the good times and the hard times. I have confidence in the Miami Heat organization and the team they are building.”
— Lance Stephenson signed a three-year, $27 million deal with the Hornets, according to ESPN.com.
The contract, which was signed early Wednesday morning after a meeting in Las Vegas between the team and Stephenson’s representatives Tuesday night, includes a team option for the final season, according to ESPN.
— Mike Miller agreed to a two-year, $5.5 million contract with the Cavaliers, according to the AP. Miller re-unites with James after playing with him in Miami for three seasons.
Miller, 34, shot 46 percent on 3-pointers and averaged 7.1 points and 2.5 rebounds per game with the Grizzlies last season.
— The Warriors could be back in the Kevin Love sweepstakes.
According to the AP, the Timberwolves have reopened trade discussions with Golden State for the disgruntled All-Star forward. Minnesota president and coach Flip Saunders was seen talking with Warriors general manager Bob Myers in Las Vegas on Sunday.
One of the key cogs in the deal is Klay Thompson, who the Warriors have been reluctant to give up. Reports indicate that Golden State’s stance on Thompson hasn’t changed.
— Carmelo Anthony appears to have taken a discount to return to New York.
According to ESPN New York, Anthony’s new five-year contract with the Knicks is worth $124 million, $5 million less than the maximum.
The deal reportedly also includes a no-trade clause and has an early termination option after the fourth year.
