The Toronto Raptors are reportedly closely monitoring Chris Bosh situation as the veteran power forward makes his comeback from another bout with irregular blood clotting last season. Sources close to situation added that the Raptors could be in play for Bosh, who kicked off his NBA career in Toronto.
Bosh, who played a total of 97 games over the last two seasons due to blood clotting issues, will be attempting another comeback as he already kicked off his training weeks before Miami opens its camp.
In a recent interview on Open Run podcast, the All-Star power forward expressed his optimism about his current situation, guaranteeing everybody that he's going to participate in the Heat's training camp starting September 27.
"Absolutely," Bosh said when asked if he'll join the Heat's training camp via CBS Sports. "I mean, I'm ready to play. We've been talking about it for a long time. We released a statement back in May, saying, as soon as I'm ready to play, as soon as possible, we'll play. And I'm ready.
"I've done all my work. I've done what I needed to do, working with the doctors. I'm in incredible shape, at least decent enough. You know, I look good when I take my shirt off."
However, other than Micky Arison's encouraging message to the lone member of the fabled Big 3, the Heat, as they have been the last 7 months, remains silent on Bosh's situation whether or not they will allow him to resume his NBA career.
Pat Riley's deafening silence sparks speculation about the Heat's plan to unload the highest-paid player on their roster, either through a trade or forcing Bosh to retire due to medical reasons.
League insiders reported that the Heat will find ways to deal Bosh, even if he's able to return from the injury and match his production from last season. Getting rid of his contract ($74MM over 3 years) would be huge for the Heat as they initiate their rebuilding plan.
Bringing Toronto's prodigal son
Still, the Heat understand that takers won't come unless Bosh proves he can still play at a high level after two bouts with blood clotting and provide juicy stat-line every single night. Should Bosh return to his All-Star level, many expect the Raptors to be one of the team showing interest in him.
Coming off their first ever Eastern Conference finals stint, the Raptors face enormous pressure to better their showing last season.
Raps GM Masai Ujiri pulled off the right moves by locking in DeMar DeRozan to a five-year, $130MM deal and signed stretch-forward Jared Sullinger to mid-level contact. However, NBA pundits still ranks them a notch lower than the Cleveland Cavaliers because they still don't have legit low-post presence other than Jonas Valanciunas.
A healthy and monster stats-producing Bosh would be game-changer for the Raptors right away, giving them enough firepower to stand toe-to-toe with the Cavs in a potential playoff matchup.
Trading for Bosh would require significant amount of sacrifices in the former of Terrence Ross, Patrick Patterson and Jacob Poeltl [see trade machine result], but it could nevertheless turn them into a bonifide title contender overnight.