Former All-Star power forward Chris Bosh will begin his uphill journey to play again in the NBA after clearing waivers, making him an unrestricted free agent. The Miami Heat waived Bosh after both sides agreed to a buyout of the remaining $52.1 million via a five-year payment plan. Bosh has not seen action since February 2016 after he was declared physically unfit to play due to blood clots. Despite his condition, Bosh is hoping that he will be medically cleared to suit up for another team that is willing to take a chance on him.
Earlier, the Heat and Bosh had a strained relationship after the power forward failed his physical before the 2016-17 season due to blood clots, with president Pat Riley declaring that Bosh’s career with the team was over.
Recently, the two sides put their differences aside and worked toward an amicable settlement, with the Heat buying out the remaining two years of the $118.7 million deal that Bosh signed in 2014. The Heat also plan on retiring Bosh’s No. 1 jersey at some point next season. With this development, the Heat now have an additional $25.3 million in cap space that they can use to pursue big-name free agents.
Bosh still looking to play
Bosh’s outstanding NBA career came to a screeching halt after he was hounded by recurring blood clots over the past three seasons. The power forward missed the bulk of the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons and did not play at all in the 2016-17 season. However, Bosh declared in an interview that he plans to return to action if his health allows him to, saying that he doesn’t want his career to end this way.
Bosh was the fourth overall pick by the Toronto Raptors in 2003. He suited up for the Raptors for seven seasons before joining the Heat in 2010. Bosh, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James formed the Big 3 that gave the Heat back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013. In 893 career games, Bosh averaged 19.2 points and 8.5 rebounds with the Raptors and Heat.
Possible destinations for Bosh
According to Bleacher Report, Bosh has seven possible destinations if he is medically cleared to play, including the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers. If the Celtics acquire Bosh, they will have an additional presence in the shaded area and it will allow Al Horford to return to his natural position at center. The Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Washington Wizards may also be interested in Bosh’s services.
