Latest Boozer rumor: to Knicks for David Lee

Could Carlos Boozer end up in a New York Knicks uniform?

A scenario is reportedly being considered by the Knicks in which the team would sign restricted free-agent forward David Lee and then send him off to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Boozer, according to a story published by Newsday.

Lee acknowledged feeling frustrated by the fact he remains unsigned by New York so deep into the free agency period.

"With the four years of hard work I've put in, I'm just frustrated this thing hasn't gotten done yet with the Knicks," Lee told Newsday. "It's been frustrating enough that it has caused us now to kind of look at other options."

The Knicks have not made offers to either Lee or their other restricted free agent, Nate Robinson, so far this summer.

A potential trade for Lee could cause an interesting conundrum for the Jazz, since both he and Paul Millsap play the same position and have comparable statistics. But such a move would undoubtedly prove to be popular with the team's fan base — given Lee's reputation for solid defense and hustle play.

Lee led the NBA with 62 double-doubles last season and averaged a career-high 16.0 points and 11.7 rebounds for New York.

Chicago also appears in the mix for Boozer, and a potential trade for the two-time NBA all-star received an endorsement from the team's franchise point guard, Derrick Rose.

Rose seemed excited at the prospect of playing with Boozer if a trade should come to fruition between Utah and Chicago.

"Boozer is a great guy," Rose said in an interview with Bulls.com. "Great post player, pick-and-roll player, pick and pop. For him to come I'd love it."

A trade between Chicago and the Jazz would likely become more difficult since Portland — a previous rumored trade partner — is unlikely to get involved in a potential deal this time around. The Blazers signed former Ute standout Andre Miller to be their point guard.

This spells an end to Portland's interest in acquiring Kirk Hinrich — the main reason the Blazers were originally involved in trade talks with Utah and Chicago.

E-MAIL: jcoon@desnews.com