Boozer deal: Tale of 2 cities

Carlos Boozer is a traitor, a liar and a scoundrel. Or maybe he's a Duke-smart ballplayer who did the logical thing by taking the best offer available.

He's an opportunist who bailed out on a commitment. Or perhaps he's just someone who changed his mind. Is that a crime?

The answer depends on location, location and location.

The city of Cleveland was in need of anger management Friday when it learned the talented power forward had signed an offer sheet with the Jazz. Cavaliers management was clearly perturbed, as witnessed by the release of a team statement that said, "Liar! Liar! Pants on fire!"

OK, that's an exaggeration, but barely. It said, "Our actions have been based upon what Carlos told us he wanted. This was also entirely consistent with his public statements in the media July 1. We are both very surprised and very disappointed by what is now being reported."

Translation: Boozer is a lying worm.

"When I heard about Boozer leaving, it was like learning Santa Claus did not exist," Michael Spitale, of Dublin, Ohio, told the Akron Beacon-Journal.

"I was sure Carlos was one of the good guys in the league."

But in Salt Lake, the pending acquisition of Boozer is being viewed as a savvy business move. It went like this: The Cavs agreed not to pick up the option year on Boozer's contract, based on the understanding that he would in turn settle on a new six-year, $40 million deal. But by the Cavs not exercising the option, he became a restricted free agent.

Seeing that, the Jazz pounced by offering $68 million over six seasons. Boozer accepted. If all goes as planned, by the end of the month he will become $28 million richer than if he had stayed with the Cavs.

In Cleveland, the move seemed scandalous, nearly as bad as the Browns moving to Baltimore. In Salt Lake, it was the best news since the trade for Jeff Hornacek. But if Jazz fans think Cleveland is overreacting, they should recall two names: Karl Malone and Shandon Anderson. Both players left Utah as free agents. Yet each was vilified on the talk radio programs and booed in the Delta Center upon returning.

Malone drew the most criticism, after signing last summer with the Lakers, even though the Jazz made no serious effort to keep him. "To Karl Malone: Hit the road, Jack," wrote one reader in the Letters to the Editor section. "I hope you enjoy being a bench rider in Los Angeles."