Looking at 2010: Chris Bosh's Top 6 Free Agency Options

We can complain about all the 2010 rumors all we want, but it is hard to deny that it is fun to speculate. I'll contribute some of my own speculation about what could be in the cards for Raptors Forward Chris Bosh, who is probably the third-best free agent this summer.

Bosh has made statements that make it sound as if he would prefer to continue being the superstar on his team. Despite this, I am sure the possibilities of playing on a team with another All-Star or two would be intriguing to him.

Many teams can be ruled out because of their cap-space or talent situations. The Los Angeles Clippers for example, have cap-space but have plenty of talent at the F/C positions already. A team like the Denver Nuggets would love to have Bosh, but have no cap flexibility.

No 6: New Jersey Nets

Cap Space? Check
Talent? Check (particularly when you add a early 1st rd. pick, like John Wall)
Large Market? Check (especially if they make the anticipated move to Brooklyn)
Winning? Umm not so much.

While the Nets have the necessary cap-space, talent that would complement Bosh while allowing him to be the super-star, and a big media-market, Chris Bosh wil probably not consider New Jersey seriously. It would look bad for a superstar to sign with a team that is coming off of a terrible season like the Nets. Things are also less than stable with no permanent coach, a new owner, and the move to Brooklyn up in the air. These things will keep Bosh away in all likelihood.

Potential Roster:
C Brook Lopez
PF Bosh
SF Terrence Williams
SG Courtney Lee
PG Devin Harris

1st Rd. Pick
Chris Douglas-Roberts
Kris Humphries

No 5: Sign-and-trade with a winning team

No, this is not very specific, but I don't think it is likely to happen either. If Bosh decides to leave Toronto, he could ask for a sign-and-trade, which would give the Raptors something out of the deal. Possible destinations could be his hometown of Dallas, close-to-his-hometown Houston, Oklahoma City, or Loas Angeles Lakers. While I don't consider any of these likely, it would give obvious benefits to the recipient, give Bosh the opportunity to make the same amount as he would resigning with the Raptors, as well as a chance to win a championship, and the Raptors wouldn't be losing their star for nothing.

No 5: Sign-and-trade with a winning team

No, this is not very specific, but I don't think it is likely to happen either. If Bosh decides to leave Toronto, he could ask for a sign-and-trade, which would give the Raptors something out of the deal. Possible destinations could be his hometown of Dallas, close-to-his-hometown Houston, Oklahoma City, or Loas Angeles Lakers. While I don't consider any of these likely, it would give obvious benefits to the recipient, give Bosh the opportunity to make the same amount as he would resigning with the Raptors, as well as a chance to win a championship, and the Raptors wouldn't be losing their star for nothing.

No 4: Join TBD Star in New York

The Knicks have put all of their eggs into the 2010 free agent basket, and will make a hard push at signing two superstars. Though I'm sure Dwayne Wade and Lebron James will be at the top of their list, Bosh won't be far behind. Playing in the largest city in America would be an exciting idea for many NBA players, to be sure. If the Knicks succeed in grabbing Wade or even Joe Johnson, Bosh may be sorely tempted to join them. He could be catapulted into one of the most popular athletes, and a perrenial All-Star starter, with one stroke of the pen.

On the other hand, New York is still surrounded by question marks. Will they even manage to sign that first star? Will that be enough of a draw to other free agents? Chris Bosh and Joe Johnson can only do so much if they are surrounded by only 3-4 contributing players (though many players may be willing to join for the minimum). The sell-your-soul factor could also be in play.

Potential Roster;
C Eddy Curry (???)
PF Bosh
SF Danilo Gallinari
SG Johnson
PG Toney Douglas

Tracy McGrady
Wilson Chandler
Bill Walker

No 3: Chicago Bulls

The Bulls have a very talented core group, and Bosh could be just the piece to send them to elite status. Bosh would surely still be the superstar, but would be surrounded by Derrick Rose and other good young players who could easily be made into contenders. Chicago is also a large media market if that is a consideration.

Potential snags could be Bosh's reluctance to leave one cold climate for another, or Chicago's desire to bring in a Shooting Guard like Johnson or Wade.

Potential Roster:
C Joakim Noah
PF Chris Bosh
SF Luol Deng
SG Kirk Hinrich
PG Derrick Rose

Taj Gibson
James Johnson

No 2: Stay with Raptors

Like any athlete who doesn't want to look selfish and unproffesional (ahem Carlos Boozer), Bosh hasn't said that he plans to leave his current team, the Toronto Raptors, and if you take his comments to the media at face value, he would prefer to stay.

There are obvious advantages to staying in Toronto. He will almost assuredly be their star while he remains there. He will also be the most popular athlete, at least who doesn't play hockey. Money is always an issue also, and the Raptors can pay him the most.

He can also enjoy mediocrity for the forseeable future, cold weather, and having to live in a different country. These things lead me to believe he will at least look at finding a new team.

No 1: Join D-Wade in Miami

What could be better than playing with Dwayne Wade, in a fun city with warm beaches? Especially when you are just coming off of playing in a cold, Canadian city, with no clear second option?

Of course Bosh wouldn't be the clear superstar, but I think that playing with Wade would be more likely to elevate his profile rahter than the opposite. The Heat would also have to bring in some more complementary role players, but there should be many veterans who would sign for the minimum for a chance to play with two great players.

Potential Roster:
C Jermaine O'Neal (if resigned)
PF Bosh
SF Michael Beasley
SG Wade
PG Mario Chalmers

James Jones
Daequen Cook