Heat's Approach to Chris Bosh Reportedly Being Monitored by NBPA

The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) is reportedly examining the ongoing stalemate between the Miami Heat and forward Chris Bosh concerning the potential resumption of his NBA career.

Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported Friday the union is watching the situation closely, including the potential that the Heat keep Bosh, who's dealt with blood clots, on their roster just long enough to prevent him from playing for another team in the playoffs.

The update comes after Zach Lowe of ESPN.com noted Wednesday that sources stated the Heat will attempt to wait until March 1, 2017, to waive Bosh. That would both make him ineligible for the postseason and help the team's salary-cap situation next summer, though uncertainty remains:

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That is Miami's financial nightmare: The Heat spend a gazillion on free agents this summer, and Bosh plays at least 25 games elsewhere in 2017-18 -- at which point, NBA rules require his salary nestle back atop Miami's cap number. That could send the Heat flying into luxury tax hell. Miami hasn't found a middle ground that would allow it to waive Bosh and proceed with financial certainty. Bosh is under no obligation to provide them with one.

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The situation is further complicated by Bosh's health status.

He missed the latter stages of the past two seasons due to blood clots. In September, the 11-time All-Star failed the organization's preseason physical, and team president Pat Riley stated the organization was no longer focused on his return, per Winderman.

"We are not," Riley said. "I think Chris is still open-minded. But we are not working toward his return. We feel that, based on the last exam, that his Heat career is probably over."

On the flip side, Bosh has maintained his desire to play again. The 32-year-old veteran shared his thoughts during the finale of an UNINTERRUPTED series about him, which was released Tuesday.

"What I would say to the people who just see the money and kind of see my situation and say, 'Hey, just walk away,' I get it. I totally get it. I understand you. I hear you," Bosh said. "But I'm not really thinking about money. I'm just thinking about where my heart is. I love the NBA. I love playing basketball every day for a living."

He added: "I want my children to know that Daddy was a fighter and he just didn't give up very easily."

Exactly what actions the union may take in the case are unclear. A source told Winderman the NBPA may take a "more proactive stance" on the issue "should the distancing of the Heat with Bosh continue to a point where Bosh could possibly resume his career."

Meanwhile, the South Florida Sun Sentinel report noted Bosh has remained away from the team since failing a preseason physical in September. The Heat continue to prepare for their Oct. 26 opener against the Orlando Magic with the situation's endgame unsettled.