As much as Chris Bosh seemed to be the obvious target for the Rockets, there was a sense that they would be trying to hit on a long shot with so many teams having the cap room the Rockets do not.
That no longer seems likely to be too much of a hurdle. It might be simply about winning the recruiting battle. That is challenge enough, but it does seem the Raptors have accepted that Bosh will be leaving, and that he will go in a sign-and-trade deal.
In quotes in Doug Smith’s blog this week, Toronto general manager Bryan Colangelo sounded as if he was getting ready to negotiate with Bosh’s next team, rather than with Bosh.
“The other thing that you should know is that there is a whole other universe of teams out there … teams that are over the cap, and would be interested in Chris Bosh and may have assets that we may have interest in,” Colangelo said.
“Assuming that Chris would rather play somewhere else and he gives us a list of teams with which he would be agreeable to go play then we can delve further into the topic of, okay, what would we want to get back from that team.
“I just have to tell you that that’s being evaluated, it has been evaluated, it will continue to be evaluated and we will try to maximize our opportunity in the event that that’s the course of action.”
In other words, Bosh is out of here. Get your offers ready.
via Of Brooks, Bosh and (again) the Rockets season that was | NBA | Chron.com – Houston Chronicle.
Confirming what we thought we already knew as Daryl Morey has been saying since the deadline that he thought there would be opportunities available via the sign&trade route.
I have been saying for some time that Houston Rockets fans should be hoping for a Cleveland championship this postseason as the value of our Knicks picks depend on it.
But you should add another wish to the list: hope that Lakers center Andrew Bynum has a strong performance this May. At least strong enough to make LA balk at dealing him. As it stands, Bynum is probably the most enticing trade chip likely to be available in Bosh sign&trade talks.
Dallas will also be a favorite, not just because it is Bosh’s hometown, but because of the nature of center Erick Dampier’s non-guaranteed expiring contract. Oklahoma City could offer guard Eric Maynor or even forward Jeff Green.
There will be no dearth of suitors. Ultimately, the decision will be in Bosh’s hands. It does seem he will not be returning to Toronto.
