SALT LAKE CITY — Carlos Boozer doesn't expect to be playing for the Utah Jazz this season.

Just two weeks ago, Boozer opted to remain with the Jazz for the final year of his contract. But the two-time All-Star told a Chicago radio station yesterday he expects the Jazz to trade him.

"The Jazz told me they want to go in a different direction and I respect their decision," Boozer said yesterday during an interview with WMVP. "We mutually agreed to work out a trade that was beneficial for them and beneficial for my family and me. So with that being said I'm gonna be traded relatively soon or in good time."

Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor did not return messages seeking comment yesterday.

Boozer had an option to void the final year of his contract, but decided on the final day to stay with the Jazz for the guaranteed $12.7 million rather than risk losing money in a tight free agent market.

The Jazz already appear headed above the luxury tax threshold, especially if they match Portland's four-year, $32 million — including $10.3 million up front — offer to restricted free agent Paul Millsap. Utah has until the end of the week to decide whether to keep Millsap.

The Jazz said yesterday that they've re-signed reserve point guard Ronnie Price, who was an unrestricted free agent after spending two seasons with the Jazz. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

ELSEWHERE

Bulls: Forward Tim Thomas and Chicago have agreed on a contract buyout yesterday, ending the veteran's second stint with the Bulls.

Acquired from the New York Knicks in February, Thomas averaged 5.8 points and 2.3 rebounds in 18 games with Chicago. He was scheduled to make about $6.4 million next season, but the Bulls had no room for him after drafting forwards James Johnson and Taj Gibson last month.

Suns: Channing Frye grew up cheering for the Phoenix Suns. Now he'll play for them.

"It feels good to be home," Frye said at a U.S. Airways Center news conference yesterday in Phoenix. "I know I'm comfortable here. I know I can win in this state."

The 6-foot-11, 250-pound Frye agreed to a two-year contract with the second year at his option. He will earn about $2 million next season.

The Suns formally introduced Frye, not that he needed it. His news conference was held in the arena where he led St. Mary's High School to the 5A state championship in 2001.