3 Realistic Landing Spots For Chris Bosh

It is with a heavy heart that I now believe that the Raptors should start to do their homework on finding a trading partner for Chris Bosh. Today I would like to stop all of the ‘Bosh for Kobe and 6 first-rounders’ talk  i've read elsewhere, quit the dreaming and look at some potential

destinations that are realistic, meets teams needs, and as a bonus assist BOSH by sending him to a ‘winner’

*Please keep in mind that we will assume Bosh would be willing to work out a long-term contract with each destination.

1. Bosh to POR for LaMarcus Aldridge, Travis Outlaw, Jerryd Blayless or S.Rodriguez

Why it works: Portland has their own cap issues due to shrewd drafting by their GM, and do not have the cap space to sign everybody. This trade will allow the Trailblazers to improve their PF position with an older veteran that could push to the Western Confrence Finals. The Raptors would do well to make this trade (if it could be done) as they would get younger and slightly more athletic with Aldridge, an ‘athletic slasher’ in Outlaw and either a backup PG in Rodriguez or a potential Ben-Gordon like impact player in Blayless. This would be a trade that would work out for both teams, and if some how we could get rid of that Marcus Banks character then even better but at the root of this trade POR possesses the assets to become better without touching their core players, and the Raptors will be able to increase their team depth\talent levels and addiontally gain some cap space with this trade.

Potential Lineup - TOR

C-Bargnani PF- Aldridge SF-Outlaw\or FA SG- Blayless\or FA PG – Calerdon

Potential Lineup – POR

C-Przybilla PF – Bosh SF – Martell Webster SG – Brandon Roy PG – Steve Blake

2. Bosh to ATL for Josh Smith, and Marvin Williams

Why It works: While Josh Smith is FAR from a franchise player, and is a known head case I believe he needs a change from Mike Woodson in order to improve as a player, subquently Marvin Williams is just starting to figure out the NBA game and would be a salary cap casualty as the Hawks have some major questions regarding their own free agents this year (Mike Bibby). The huge problem would be the 7 Million dollar trade kicker the Raptors would have to pay, however in this economy there may be a deal that could be worked out there would be some creativity involved but it's not impossible (Voiding Smith's original contract, and giving him a new one? Additional player options?) Adding Marvin Williams at SF, signing him to a long term contract would allow him not only to start but flourish in Triano’s up-tempo system. This would leave some cap space (again assuming it a 58 million cap for next year) to strengthen the bench.

Potential Lineup TOR

C-Bargnani PF-Josh Smith SF- Marvin Williams SG- FA\ Re-signed player PG- Calderon

Potential Lineup ATL

C- Al Hortford PF- Bosh SF- Maurice Evans  SG- Joe Johnson PG – FA\Re-Signed player

3. Bosh to Phoenix for Amar’e Stoudemire and Leandro Barbosa

Why This Works: Bosh would easily thrive in the ‘run n gun’ Phoenix style and would be a welcome change from Stoudemire’s on\off persona. The Raptors would gain a dominant post player that they have never had in their history (No Antonio Davis, Sharone Wright, and Marcus Camby DO NOT count) and he would fit right in with the lack of defensive conscience that has seized the Raptors since their existence. Barbosa would add a dimension of speed that has been missing in the Raptors offense and a young player that the team would have control over for several years after. This wouldn’t free up a large amount of money for Phoenix, BUT Robert Sarver, owner of the Suns wouldn’t mind paying the luxury tax for a team more able to compete than last year’s team.

Potential TOR Lineup

C-Bargnani PF- Stoudemire SF- FA\Player Resign SG- Barbosa PG- Calderon

Potential PHO Lineup

C- Shaq PF – Bosh SF – Grant Hill SG- Jason Richardson PG- Steve Nash

So that’s it while I’m sure that some of you will agree and others will disagree strongly, the reality is that it’s pretty hard to move someone of Bosh’s especially when you are attempting to get fair value. These trades do not address every problem for the aformentioned teams but it leaves them in a better position than they were orginally in. Now I don’t believe if Bosh is traded that Colangelo’s priority is to get him to a winner, but in looking at various scenarios before deciding on these three the options are limited and it appears that teams that have some depth or a disgruntled superstars are likely trading partners. Teams like Golden State (no way) Chicago (not enough pieces) do not have the requisite parts to make a trade with Toronto work. Some may think a 3 way trade would be an option but those are so rare that it’s almost pointless to attempt to think about it.

Sidebar: Don’t you think it just makes sense for Bosh to re-sign with TOR at the same\less salary in order to build a winner? This isn’t the NFL with a 130 million salary cap. I also recognize that we are a capitalist society but it’s rare to make money in the NBA and play for a winner if your name isn’t Kobe, or Lebron and the team is willing to build a winner around you (especially if your owner is willing to go over the salary cap). It’s just a thought.