Could Carlos Boozer really be the key person in the 2010 NBA Free Agent frenzy?

It's not entirely out of left field if you know the facts.

First, some background info.

Boozer declared for the 2002 NBA Draft, foregoing his final year of NCAA eligibility at Duke. He was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round of the NBA draft, where he played two full seasons. Boozer averaged 10 ppg and 7.5 rpg in his rookie campaign, and followed it up with 15.5 ppg and 11.4 rpg his second year, while playing alongside a highly-touted rookie: LeBron James.

After the 2003–04 NBA season, the Cavaliers had the option of allowing Boozer to become a restricted free agent, or keeping him under contract for one more year at a $695,000 salary. According to reports published around that time, the Cavaliers claimed to have reached an understanding with Boozer and his agent on a deal for about $39 million over 6 years, which he would sign if the Cavs let him out of his current deal.

Cleveland then proceeded to release Boozer from his contract, making him a Restricted Free Agent. During this period, a few other teams were also interested in signing Boozer, and Utah ended up offering a 6-year $70 million contract that Cleveland chose not to match, since it would take them well over the salary cap.

Carlos Boozer signed with the Utah Jazz on July 24, 2004, three months after the end of the rookie seasons of three of this summer's top free agents: James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh.

Boozer has denied that he made any commitment to the Cavaliers: "There was no commitment. It's unfortunate how the turn of events went through the media," Boozer said shortly after signing the deal with Utah. "I'm not a guy that gives my word and takes it away. I think I've made that clear." Boozer's agent subsequently ceased representation, although Rob Pelinka has resumed representing Boozer as of July 2009, when he was eligible for another contract extension.

In addition, the former Cavaliers owner Gordon Gund, who sold the team to current owner Dan Gilbert in 2005, has said, "In the final analysis, I decided to trust Carlos and show him the respect he asked for. He did not show that trust and respect in return."

So what if Boozer had honored this rumored verbal agreement with Gund and stayed in Cleveland? Does he play Robin to James' Batman, helping him win a title in 2007? Does James even opt out of his contract this summer? Is this free agent period as newsworthy? Are such a high number of players likely on the move? Is Jerry Sloan still the coach in Utah? How good is Jazz point guard Deron Williams? Is Delonte West even on the Cavs' roster to (allegedly) bag James' mom?

That's a lot of questions. All with no answer.

All because Boozer lied to a blind guy.