The start of the 2016-2017 NBA season is getting closer but there are still no details yet regarding Chris Bosh's status with the Miami Heat. But, according to new reports, the team could end up deciding to waive his contract.
Bosh was not able to finish remainder of the season due to a blood clot found in his leg. During his absence, there have been debates within the Miami organization regarding his condition and ability to make a comeback.
However, since Bosh has been out for most parts of the season due to his health, the team is reportedly considering using the NBA's stretch provision to ease the hit they could might take due to his salary, the Sun Sentinel reported.
Under this provision, the team could divide Bosh's remaining salary and stretch it across the upcoming seasons. However, in doing so, the Heat should also waive Bosh's contract.
The problem with this option, however, is that if the Heat waive his contract, another team with a bigger cap space could swoop in to clear him. Also, Bosh's salary takes up around 10 % of Miami's total salary cap until the 2022 to 2023 season. This means it will not be lucrative to use the stretch provision on him.
The other option would be letting him go completely. However, since the Heat has already lost Dwayne Wade to the Chicago Bulls during free agency, it seems the Miami organization is now running out of options regarding his roster. With Wade out, the team would certainly not want to lose another superstar from its lineup.
For now, though, it is still not yet clear if Bosh will be able to return and play next season. Still, he continues to be optimistic about his return by being active on social media.
But, earlier this week, Heat owner Micky Arison released an open letter to fans of the team. In the letter, he mentioned various key members of the team including Bosh, which, according to various sources, indicates that the athlete might be able to return next season, according to Slam Online.
"What won't change is the culture of this organization," he wrote. "The Miami Heat is a championship organization. I fully expect this team, from Pat Riley to head coach Erik Spoelstra, to our veterans Chris Bosh, Udonis Haslem, Goran Dragic and Josh MvRoberts, to out returning young core of Hassan Whiteside, Justise Winslow, Josh Richardson and Tyler Johnson, to the fresh faces joining the Heat family to continue our mantra of being the hardest working, best conditioned, most professional, unselfish, toughest, meanest, nastiest team in the NBA."
