Chris Bosh (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
Chris Bosh has been rumored to be on Miami Heat's trading block in an attempt for the team to join the hunt in landing OKC Thunder star Kevin Durant next year.
Sports Illustrated reported that the Heat could deal Bosh before the trade deadline if they are not going to contend this season in an attempt to cut the team's luxury taxes, avoid becoming a lottery team, and ultimately have a great chance to land Durant in 2016.
The Heat boasts an exciting mix of young talents and a core of NBA veterans comprised of Luol Deng, Amar'e Stoudemire, Dwyane Wade, and Goran Dragic.
However, the only chance they have to contend for a title is to keep all their key players healthy, which is doubtful, considering the history of injuries suffered by most of the Heat's players.
According to the report, if the Heat are heading nowhere this year, trading Bosh would put them under the tax line and would give them a decent package of players and assets in return.
Bosh, who is coming off a life-threatening setback, has picked up where he left last season, displaying his All-Star form in the Heat's first nine games with 19.0 points and 9.7 rebounds.
Trading the two-time NBA champion would certainly be tricky, considering the five-year $118 million contract he just signed last year.
But according to Real GM trade checker, there are a few trade scenarios that could work out for Bosh and the Heat to create space for Durant and probably Wade, who is also a free agent next year.
One of the best landing spots for Bosh is the Los Angeles Lakers. With a flexible cap space for next year, the Lakers could take in Bosh without any problems, and could use him as an attraction to land other free-agents next year.
Bosh would also help the rebuilding Lakers at the four position, which has been LA's problem ever since trading away Lamar Odom. In a league that is ruled by small ball lineups, Bosh would fit well for Los Angeles, along with young talents such as Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson, and D'Angelo Russell.
Real GM trade checker approved a deal involving Lakers' Roy Hibbert and Nick Young, although Hibbert could only be traded by next year.
Hibbert would give Heat a strong defensive presence around the rim alongside Hassan Whiteside, while Young could take on another role off the bench.
Another possible trade scenario involves Kevin Love of the Cleveland Cavaliers. A straight swap for Love would work, according to Real GM, but the deal would only give them a minimum cut off the tax line with Love's $110 million payroll.
The upside is, having Love and Wade in the roster would certainly entice Durant and other free agent stars in the market next summer.
There is no confirmation yet of a Bosh trade and it looks like CB will stay with the Heat for the rest of his contract. But any chances that would give bring Durant to the Heat may force Pat Riley in orchestrating another magical move.
