Report: Heat, Clippers tracking Boozer in China

Carlos Boozer hasn't stepped on an NBA court in nearly two years, but that hasn't stopped a couple of playoff contenders from keeping an eye on the veteran big man.

Citing a "source plugged firmly into the Chinese scene," ESPN's Marc Stein reports that the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers have been tracking Boozer's progress in China, where the 35-year-old has averaged 17.2 points and 10.6 rebounds for the Guangdong Southern Tigers.

As Stein notes, however, one complication is that Boozer would have to sign with an NBA team before April 12 to be playoff-eligible, and his Southern Tigers are currently a win away from advancing to the Chinese Basketball Association finals.

While Boozer could provide some frontcourt depth this spring, it's unlikely either of the Clippers or Heat would be missing out on much if the former All-Star doesn't make it back in time. In his last season (2014-15) with the Los Angeles Lakers, the 13-year veteran proved a major defensive liability while averaging 11.8 points and 6.8 rebounds in nearly 24 minutes per game. Boozer's efficiency also fell off a cliff over his final few years in the Association.