According to reports, Chris Bosh and the Miami Heat are finally working out an accord that would buy out the remaining of his contract and allow him to become a free agent.
Now, this should go without saying, but I’ll bold it anyway: Chris Bosh should NOT play in the NBA if it risks his long-term health. No amount of money or championships is worth that gamble. Obviously, the Miami Heat didn’t want him to continue, but part of that could have been genuine concern, and part of that could have been a desire to wipe off his $25-26 million salaries off their books. This list will presume that Bosh is able to play without being a danger to himself.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that Bosh will play at 100% of his All-Star form. He’s only 33 (less than a year older than LeBron James), but he had been on a decline, based on declining athleticism and those medical issues. The last time he played, in 2015-16, he averaged 19.1 points (on 46.7% shooting) and 7.4 rebounds in 33.5 minutes per night. Going forward, I’d expect him to be about a 20/25 minute a night contributor for next season.
Which teams make sense for him? Here’s my personal list, but feel free to make your own.
Fits that don’t quite work
(9) San Antonio
On paper, the Texas-born Bosh should fit in like a glove with a winning organization like San Antonio. However, the team already has one skilled but “soft” big in LaMarcus Aldridge. The fans may grab riot if they grab two. If Pau Gasol doesn’t opt into his $16.2 player option for next year, this fit makes a little more sense, but ultimately it doesn’t feel right for either side right now.
(8) Chicago
Among playoff teams, Chicago may be able to offer Chris Bosh the largest on-the-court role — presuming they don’t re-sign Nikola Mirotic. Bosh can either backup Robin Lopez at the center position, or play alongside him at PF. A lineup of Rajon Rondo – Dwyane Wade (who has a player option) – Jimmy Butler – Chris Bosh – Robin Lopez is chocked full of big names, although may not amount to anything other than a first-round exit again.
(7) Cleveland
Could the Cavs take a gamble on Chris Bosh?
Chris Bosh can join his other Miami teammate with the Cavs, where he’d have a better shot at winning another title. However, there are more problems here. While Bosh may be an upgrade on the Richard Jefferson (36 years old) and Channing Frye (34) roles, the Cavs are overstuffed in terms of salary. Between playing Tristan Thompson and Kevin Love as a small ball 5, there aren’t many minutes to go around here, either.
Fits that almost make sense
(6) Boston
The Celtics could clearly use more size on the court, but a big like Bosh isn’t exactly what the doctor ordered. He’s not a paint-stuffing rim-protector — he’s more of an Al Horford Lite. There is still some role to be offered to him here, given that Amir Johnson and Kelly Olynyk are free agents. At the very least, Bosh can be the new Olynyk. The Celts do have the cap space to make him a sizable offer, too, especially if the Gordon Hayward recruitment doesn’t work out.
(5) Los Angeles Clippers
I would presume Chris Bosh likes the idea of staying in Los Angeles as he nears retirement, and the Clippers have a good enough team to appeal to him. If Blake Griffin stays around, there aren’t a ton of minutes available, but there is a role to play. Doc Rivers has been reluctant to try Griffin as his backup center, toggling between defensive-minded bigs like Cole Aldrich and offensive-minded ones like Marreese Speights this year. Speights is a free agent, so presumably, Bosh can fill his role well.
(4) Milwaukee
This is a wild card pick and not an obvious fit at first glance. However, if Bosh looks at Giannis and company as a true contender, then you may be able to see the appeal. The Bucks’ current backup center, Greg Monroe, has a player option and may look elsewhere. There are quite a few minutes there for Bosh to fill when he can be a primary option off the bench. Ultimately Jason Kidd would want Thon Maker to be his center of the future, but Bosh can buy him 1-2 years before that happens.
Fits that make sense
(3) Toronto
Homecoming! I admit, the appeal of this is largely based on the narrative, where Bosh can bookend his career for a Toronto organization that would call him one of the greatest players in franchise history. The Raptors are at a crossroads this summer, with Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka as free agents. If they keep Lowry but lose some of their FA bigs (Ibaka or Patrick Patterson) then there’s a role for Chris Bosh to play here as a complementary scorer to their guards. Jonas Valanciunas is a plodder, so bringing Bosh off the bench would be a nice counter punch. The money would be minimal here, but the story is a good one.
(2) Golden State
As the Warriors start to pay Steph Curry and Kevin Durant their new mammoth deals, they’re going to have to keep filling the holes in the roster with a stream of bargain vets. Fortunately for them, ring chasers are going to be lining up to play for a Dubs team that may legitimately go 16-0 this postseason. Current bigs Zaza Pachulia, JaVale McGee and David West are ALL free agents this summer, which could allow space for Chris Bosh to come in and play 20 minutes a night. He wouldn’t rack up millions here or stats here, but he’d almost guarantee himself another ring for his Hall of Fame resume.
(1) Houston
Chris Bosh nearly went to the Rockets the last time he was a free agent, and the fit there alongside James Harden still makes sense. The Rockets had a nice season from their current backup big Nene Hilario (especially defensively), but he’s a free agent as well. The skilled Bosh would be a nice complement to young Clint Capela, particularly if teams attempt to use a hack-a-shaq on him. More than anything, I love the idea of a bench unit that could have Eric Gordon, Lou Williams, AND Chris Bosh. No team is going to be able to outscore the Warriors, but that one would try their damn well best.
