"I have checked this out thoroughly and am convinced there never have been discussions about any such deal. There's a theory going around that the Trailblazers have been putting out the false leaks (you'll notice they make out well in all the scenarios without much detail of what they give up) because of pressure they've been getting in Portland over losing out on Hedo Turkoglu after they said they would sign him.

"There's also a little modern day journalism issue in things like this. Which is not to say newspapers always got this stuff right and didn't print false information. But with the internet and even more instant communication with Twitter, which many reporters use now to advance their scoops, stories often are measured in seconds or minutes of who got something out first. So the tendency, along with the evil of the update button that demands changes every few hours, is for a greater rush now for something new more often and more quickly, which doesn't allow time to check things out as thoroughly.'

ESPN.com's Ric Bucher, via Twitter:

"The Warriors are after Boozer. But all they have to offer are big, long contracts. Utah wants financial relief, not more pain."

More from Jackson in the Sun-Times:

"Through a series of roster moves and monetary decisions, the Bulls have put themselves in sound financial shape moving forward — despite the economic downturn and the prospect that revenues for all NBA teams are likely to fall in the near future.

"The Bulls could clear roughly $20 million of salary-cap space next summer to spend on what is projected to be the best crop of free agents in league history, or they could use some of their assets — including those coveted expiring contracts — to trade for an All-Star-caliber player this summer.

"If an ESPN.com report is accurate, the Bulls might have to decide soon which direction to go.

"The biggest question the Bulls have to ask themselves is whether they can get a player better than Boozer (who has played in one All-Star Game) by waiting. . . . Boozer has had a history of injury problems, but if he can match the numbers he put up in the 2007-08 season (21.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, .547 field-goal percentage), the Bulls would have a solid interior player to team with Derrick Rose.

"But according to sources, the Bulls prefer Chris Bosh, who is only 25, taller and a three-time All-Star. The problem is it's doubtful the Toronto Raptors would consider trading Bosh right now. . . . If the Bulls have a chance to get Boozer now, can they afford to wait to see if Bosh becomes available down the road?

"Then again, it's doubtful they'd be willing to include Hinrich and Thomas in a deal for Boozer — especially if they move to include an expiring contract."

The Chicago Tribune's K.C. Johnson: