The Toronto Raptors are looking at a bright future in the Eastern Conference this season. Despite the entry of Dwyane Wade to the Chicago Bulls to join forces with Jimmy Butler and Rajon Rondo, the DeMar DeRozan squad remains as the favorite to challenge the supremacy of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Hence, it comes as no surprise that the Kyle Lowry team is said to be adding a big name in their lineup this season - one who is familiar to LeBron James himself.
The divorce of the Miami Heat and Chris Bosh has left the NBA All-Star reeling. However, it looks like he will not have to dwell on the issue for long as the Toronto Raptors appear to be keen in taking him back under their fold. Will Chris Bosh flourish again alongside Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan?
"I think Chris is still open-minded. But we are not working toward his return," said Pat Riley of the status of Chris Bosh. He added, "We feel that, based on the last exam, that his Heat career is probably over."
The Miami Heat exec further shared, "His health, playing and economics -- it's been health, health, health. Whatever the cap ramifications are, they are there, but we never ever thought about that."
With these words, Pat Riley confirmed two things. First, a Chris Bosh contract with the Miami Heat has come to an end. Second, other NBA teams could now negotiate with the All-Star.
Where will the Chris Bosh contract be signed? The NBA teams interested in the Miami Heat star are the Chicago Bulls, Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles Lakers. However, rumors are rife that the Toronto Raptors are the frontrunners in this aspect.
"I know where we got to last year, I know there are expectations but what are expectations in sports? Winning, that's the mandate," said Masai Ujiri of the Toronto Raptors. The NBA team president added, "People would talk about the West, but the East is creeping up now. We recognize that it's going to be harder. When you win a little bit you become more of a target."
The 2015-16 NBA season saw the Toronto Raptors emerge as surprise contenders in the Eastern Conference. In their playoffs run, the Kyle Lowry team had a legitimate shot at actually dethroning the Cleveland Cavaliers. Will a Chris Bosh contract help them win the title this NBA season?
"Cleveland is Cleveland, the best team in the NBA. I don't care how we talk about it or how we do it, there are 29 losers, or 29 I shouldn't say losers, 29 teams that didn't win. Everyone of them is coming right back at you trying to win. And we're one of them," said Masai Ujiri of their plans this season.
At this point, no official comment has been given by the parties concerned in this NBA trade rumor. However, fans feel that Chris Bosh still has a lot to offer in the league. Will the Toronto Raptors be the team to give him his shot at redemption?
