Most of us assume that LeBron James will be the first big domino to fall in free agency, but that may not be true if the market for Chris Bosh continues to sizzle. In order to return to the Miami Heat, Bosh is obviously going to have to take less than a max contract. According to ESPN’s Chris Broussard, he would also have to pass on a maximum contract offer from a very good team.
Bosh has reportedly been offered a max contract of four years and $88 million from the Houston Rockets. Broussard also notes that Bosh is warming to the idea of signing with Houston after speaking with LeBron over the weekend.
Sources: Rockets offer Bosh max deal of 4 yrs, $96 million. After weekend convo with LeBron and low offer from Heat, Bosh considering offer
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) July 7, 2014
Max offer from Houston to Bosh is 4 years, $88 million
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) July 7, 2014
A previous report indicated that Bosh would prefer to sign max contract with a new team over taking a discount to remain with the Heat. Given all the insane rumors we have heard about LeBron potentially returning to Cleveland, maybe Bosh is starting to lean toward moving on from Miami.
Bosh already has two rings. He’s not trying to stockpile rings like LeBron, Kobe Bryant or Tim Duncan, because he knows he is never going to be considered one of the best NBA players of all time. With that in mind, why wouldn’t he want to get paid? It’s not like he’s considering a max offer from a terrible team. The Rockets are a legitimate NBA Finals contender.
While Bosh will likely wait until he is sure of LeBron’s future to make a final decision, he could actually push James out of Miami if he signs with the Rockets first. It would be tough for Pat Riley to convince LeBron he is going to improve the Heat if Bosh leaves. If the Heat subtract instead of adding, LeBron is more likely to skip town.
