Miami Heat, Chris Bosh have difficult decisions to make
By Wes Goldberg
Chris Bosh has missed the second half of two consecutive seasons with a blood clot issue, and the Miami Heat have to make a decision on his future.
With the Miami Heat’s season wrapped up, the team now looks forward to what’s next. There is no question looming greater on this organization than what it is to do regarding Chris Bosh. Bosh’s struggle had always been on the periphery this season as the games went on, but with the season over it comes to full focus.
Bosh, who missed the second half of two consecutive seasons with a blood clot issue, wants to continue playing. There is little doubt that the Heat want him to continue playing for them, but only if he’s able to do so safely. That’s been the struggle so far for both sides, as Bosh tries to find a doctor who will clear him medically, and the Heat do their best to play it safe.
The Heat clearly want the best for Bosh but, at some point, the business of building a team that can compete comes into play. According to an ESPN report, the Heat could have an out of Bosh’s contract, if it should come to that.
"Bosh last played Feb. 9. According to league rules, if he does not play again by Feb. 9, 2017, an independent doctor approved by the Heat and the player’s union can review Bosh’s case and give a recommendation to the league. If the doctor doesn’t believe Bosh can continue his career, the Heat can take the 11-time All-star’s contract off their books for salary cap purposes.Bosh is owed $75 million over the next three years. He would receive all the money. Miami would receive some savings via an insurance policy, but would not do this to save money. If it was up to the Heat, a healthy Bosh would be playing for them every night.This would allow the organization to replace Bosh when his contract hypothetically comes off in the summer of 2017.[…]If Bosh were to be cleared by Heat doctors and he had a recurrence of his condition, it would not only be potentially life-threatening but also reset the clock on the yearlong medical retirement process."
So now you have the difficult balance of an organization that prides itself on loyalty, as well as competing for championships, trying to decide between one and the other. It seems Bosh will do everything he can to get back on the court, but the Heat will be understandably cautious for health and business reasons.
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When it comes down to it, Miami’s front office has a job to do and they’re going to do it. Let’s just hope whatever happens doesn’t sour the last six seasons.