Houston readying full-court press for Bosh

[panthermark]

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As has been stated by those outside of the Raptor fan base many times over....it really does not matter what other teams have to offer. Bosh will end up with the team he chooses. The only people that want some type of bidding war is BC and his followers. Players in the league have managed to force traded when they were still under contract (as I'm sure you guys know), there is no reason to think that a free agent can't get to the team that he wants to go to.

And you keep thinking he will have a massive preference of one team over any other. I still haven't heard why this is the case. Why is Bosh saying LA or Houston only and not Chicago, for example?[/quote]


Being that the money would be the same...what max free agent would not "care" which team he went to?

What high level FA has ever said..."meh...either team works for me?" Again...the money is the same regardless of the team.

And please explain how a bidding war helps BOSH. (No, not the Raptors...Bosh).

[panthermark]

I don't believe that there will be a full blown bidding war in the NBA for Bosh's service but i do believe that BC holds some leverage. You'll have to give the Raptors something for Chris Bosh imo.

Lets say Bosh is dead set on going to Chicago. But he also wants his 6th year so a S&T must happen between Chicago and Toronto. So Bosh goes to BC and say

"My heart is in Chicago. Imma go there no matter what. Trade me."

But Chicago is only willing to offer James Johnson, TPE and a future first in a S&T.

BC is going to come back to Bosh and say "I'm not taking that offer. You'll have to give me another team to work with otherwise you can sign with Chicago outright"

What is Chris Bosh going to do in that scenario? I think Bosh has more to lose than the Raptors in this. James Johnson and a future first(likely in the 20th range) isn't going to do anything for the franchise. Is bosh going to sign with Chicago and lose out on that 6th year and 30 million? No, he's going to come back, make a compromise and say....

"Chicago is my first option but i'm also willing to go to Houston"

If Houston beats Chicago's offer of James Johnson, TPE and a future first, Morey gets Bosh.

That is where is agent, a smear campaign, and a big game of chicken comes in. Bosh threatens to walk...leaving BC with nothing and trashing him in the process. Who blinks first?

Remember, once it hits the media (and yes, it will be a big story) that Bosh has chosen Chicago (or what ever team he chooses)....it will be very hard for Bosh to back out of it and say...."Well....X team was my first choice...but I'm OK going here instead as long as I get the 6th year".

[Guy986]

I don't believe that there will be a full blown bidding war in the NBA for Bosh's service but i do believe that BC holds some leverage. You'll have to give the Raptors something for Chris Bosh imo.

Lets say Bosh is dead set on going to Chicago. But he also wants his 6th year so a S&T must happen between Chicago and Toronto. So Bosh goes to BC and say

"My heart is in Chicago. Imma go there no matter what. Trade me."

But Chicago is only willing to offer James Johnson, TPE and a future first in a S&T.

BC is going to come back to Bosh and say "I'm not taking that offer. You'll have to give me another team to work with otherwise you can sign with Chicago outright"

What is Chris Bosh going to do in that scenario? I think Bosh has more to lose than the Raptors in this. James Johnson and a future first(likely in the 20th range) isn't going to do anything for the franchise. Is bosh going to sign with Chicago and lose out on that 6th year and 30 million? No, he's going to come back, make a compromise and say....

"Chicago is my first option but i'm also willing to go to Houston"

If Houston beats Chicago's offer of James Johnson, TPE and a future first, Morey gets Bosh.

That is where is agent, a smear campaign, and a big game of chicken comes in. Bosh threatens to walk...leaving BC with nothing and trashing him in the process. Who blinks first?

Remember, once it hits the media (and yes, it will be a big story) that Bosh has chosen Chicago (or what ever team he chooses)....it will be very hard for Bosh to back out of it and say...."Well....X team was my first choice...but I'm OK going here instead as long as I get the 6th year".

Yes this will be a game of poker between Bosh and BC if Bosh is really dead set on going to one team and one team only. Who is going to blink first and who has more to lose in this? My guess is Bosh. Like i said, an offer of James Johnson and a future first in the 20th range isnt going to do anything for the Raptors. Bosh has more to lose in this. He's not going to walk away from 30 million with a lockout and a new collective bargaining agreement looming. General Mangers understand this.

Another question is, why WOULDN"T Bosh be ok with going to option 1b on his list. I mean, its not like he's gonna go to a bad situation like Memphis or New Jersey. Chicago, Miami and Houston are all attractive destinations. He'll certainly have his preference but IMHO he shouldn't be too upset at going to any of those places.

[hype_2004]

I don't believe that there will be a full blown bidding war in the NBA for Bosh's service but i do believe that BC holds some leverage. You'll have to give the Raptors something for Chris Bosh imo.

Lets say Bosh is dead set on going to Chicago. But he also wants his 6th year so a S&T must happen between Chicago and Toronto. So Bosh goes to BC and say

"My heart is in Chicago. Imma go there no matter what. Trade me."

But Chicago is only willing to offer James Johnson, TPE and a future first in a S&T.

BC is going to come back to Bosh and say "I'm not taking that offer. You'll have to give me another team to work with otherwise you can sign with Chicago outright"

What is Chris Bosh going to do in that scenario? I think Bosh has more to lose than the Raptors in this. James Johnson and a future first(likely in the 20th range) isn't going to do anything for the franchise. Is bosh going to sign with Chicago and lose out on that 6th year and 30 million? No, he's going to come back, make a compromise and say....

"Chicago is my first option but i'm also willing to go to Houston"

If Houston beats Chicago's offer of James Johnson, TPE and a future first, Morey gets Bosh.

That is where is agent, a smear campaign, and a big game of chicken comes in. Bosh threatens to walk...leaving BC with nothing and trashing him in the process. Who blinks first?

Remember, once it hits the media (and yes, it will be a big story) that Bosh has chosen Chicago (or what ever team he chooses)....it will be very hard for Bosh to back out of it and say...."Well....X team was my first choice...but I'm OK going here instead as long as I get the 6th year".

BC is a sly crafty politician, he knows how to play the game and can cover himself if he does not get anything of value from Bosh, but can Bosh ego, pride and spending habits survive not getting his coveted extra 30 mil? doubt it.

[panthermark]

Yes this will be a game of poker between Bosh and BC if Bosh is really dead set on going to one team and one team only. Who is going to blink first and who has more to lose in this? My guess is Bosh. Like i said, an offer of James Johnson and a future first in the 20th range isnt going to do anything for the Raptors. Bosh has more to lose in this. He's not going to walk away from 30 million with a lockout and a new collective bargaining agreement looming. General Mangers understand this.

Another question is, why WOULDN"T Bosh be ok with going to option 1b on his list. I mean, its not like he's gonna go to a bad situation like Memphis or New Jersey. Chicago, Miami and Houston are all attractive destinations. He'll certainly have his preference but IMHO he shouldn't be too upset at going to any of those places.

The problem is that the TPE and James Johnson is better than nothing except an ugly divorce and a tarnished rep.

Bosh has more to loose in terms of money, but BC can't afford to lose anything. You can act indignent now, but if Bosh were to walk for nothing...when a TPE and Johnson were there for the taking...you will kicking yourself later....while screaming about how much BC sucks and could not even get a TPE....when those things are automatically generated.

As for the other question... Are you serious? After 7 years, he is in complete control of his destination. He has months to analyze and review which situation is best for himself and his family. The media will hound him and ask him 1000 times what his choice is and why. Do you honestly believe that he will say "Well both places are great, and the money is the same...so I'm OK iith wich ever place give Toronto the best deal"? How is that going to go over with his new fans, teammates and GM? And again, how does a bidding war benefit Bosh?

[panthermark]

BC is a sly crafty politician, he knows how to play the game and can cover himself if he does not get anything of value from Bosh, but can Bosh ego, pride and spending habits survive not getting his coveted extra 30 mil? doubt it.

That is why Bosh has an agent.....so that he has an advocate for him to be the "bad guy" and do what ever needs to be done to get Bosh to his team of choice.

Can BC's pride and ego (or job) survive losing Bosh for nothing while getting dragged through the mud? And as far as Bosh's spending habits....WHAT? Are you saying that Bosh has already blown through the $40 or so million he has made, will blow through the $95M he is guranteed and NEEDS that extra money 6 years from now?

In the end, Bosh will go to whatever team (Mia, Chi, Hou, or LAL) he wants to go to on a 6 year deal. There is just no upside in an ugly public battle.

[ATLTimekeeper]

^Congrats on your 600th post detailing how BC will be ruined if he doesn't accept a TPE and James Johnson.

The fact that other team's fans are now coming on our board to tell you you're being ridiculous should tip you off that your argument doesn't have any meat.

[panthermark]

^Congrats on your 600th post detailing how BC will be ruined if he doesn't accept a TPE and James Johnson.

The fact that other team's fans are now coming on our board to tell you you're being ridiculous should tip you off that your argument doesn't have any meat.

1. Ha ha....oh wait...that joke got played out at 300...and 400...and 500...and you are right every single one has been here...with that exact wording. Hyperbole?

2. What other teams fans? Are they over the cap or under the cap? Would that make a difference.

3. Way to over simplify. It isn't simply TPE and James Johnson or BC is ruined. It is assets and good will vs no assets and bad blood....there is simply no plus side on the latter. But all of that is moot because it all comes down to what Bosh chooses. If Bosh choses Miami, there is nothing Chicago or any other team can do about it....and what good does it do BC to get into a pissing match with Riley and Bosh?

I wonder if Miami fans understand that if Riley strikes out, Wade could walk...and they won't get much of anything in return....especially if he goes to an under the cap team. And it won't be because Wade hates Miami and wants to spite them....it would be because Riley failed to put a good team around him, so he is going someplace else to win. Riley holding that 6th year above Wade's head would look petty.....especially after all that Wade has done for that franchise.

I hope you can see the similarities when it is another team being discussed.

If Bosh wants to go to Houston...that is where he will end up.

[OAKLEY_2]

^Congrats on your 600th post detailing how BC will be ruined if he doesn't accept a TPE and James Johnson.

The fact that other team's fans are now coming on our board to tell you you're being ridiculous should tip you off that your argument doesn't have any meat.

Uuuh amen! I mean you listen to the Houston chatter on this and most talk about the obvious salary balast, the available picks and prospects like Hill and Llul. But the CHI town board it is shag off we're all out of nickels - get a job - and here is your second rounder, TPE and hands off our future hall of famer Taj Gibson. Bosh nor his agent will force a Rashard Lewis deal. Colangelo would take off the gloves if faced with that proposition and why not it rivals EWIL/AWIL in terms of worst Raptor GM legacy. Even more absurd is you are implying he is dumb enough to take that risk rather than move Bosh at the deadline or last summer. Reality check: it looks like CB$ is going to be having 2 GMs selling him hard on the same location. Reasons? Yao and the Chinese market. Small matter of $130 million in the best Stae for income tax. Home state. For Houston they get an allstar power forward and do not give up any core save for Battier who likely would return like Ilgauskas. Raptors get a balanced youth package and a large expriring in Jeffries. This is win, win, win and beats Bynum by a mile.

[OAKLEY_2]

And last I checked, both Miami and Chicago finished ahead of Toronto...and have a chance of being even better next year based on this summer.

Well if those are bragging rights Toronto ahead of Chicago or vice versa then we are all in for a head shake. We are talking about the exclusive first round roadkill club. In the Raps case they died moments before they were set to join.

[ATLTimekeeper]

^Congrats on your 600th post detailing how BC will be ruined if he doesn't accept a TPE and James Johnson.

The fact that other team's fans are now coming on our board to tell you you're being ridiculous should tip you off that your argument doesn't have any meat.

1. Ha ha....oh wait...that joke got played out at 300...and 400...and 500...and you are right every single one has been here...with that exact wording. Hyperbole?

It wasn't a joke, it was a critical observation. I just felt sorry for the Houston fan that wasted his time arguing with a Chicago troll on our board.

[SkywalkerAC]

^Congrats on your 600th post detailing how BC will be ruined if he doesn't accept a TPE and James Johnson.

The fact that other team's fans are now coming on our board to tell you you're being ridiculous should tip you off that your argument doesn't have any meat.

Uuuh amen! I mean you listen to the Houston chatter on this and most talk about the obvious salary balast, the available picks and prospects like Hill and Llul. But the CHI town board it is shag off we're all out of nickels - get a job - and here is your second rounder, TPE and hands off our future hall of famer Taj Gibson. Bosh nor his agent will force a Rashard Lewis deal. Colangelo would take off the gloves if faced with that proposition and why not it rivals EWIL/AWIL in terms of worst Raptor GM legacy. Even more absurd is you are implying he is dumb enough to take that risk rather than move Bosh at the deadline or last summer. Reality check: it looks like CB$ is going to be having 2 GMs selling him hard on the same location. Reasons? Yao and the Chinese market. Small matter of $130 million in the best Stae for income tax. Home state. For Houston they get an allstar power forward and do not give up any core save for Battier who likely would return like Ilgauskas. Raptors get a balanced youth package and a large expriring in Jeffries. This is win, win, win and beats Bynum by a mile.

Dead right. The Rockets don't even have to include Battier (or Ariza) to match salaries. Bosh goes to a fully stocked team (better than the Bulls would be IMO) and the Raps max out on picks/prospects. I don't think we'll get 2 picks AND Llull but we should get at least two of the the three, along with Hill. The Rockets are already courting Bosh through the media, Morey will come in swinging to Bosh AND BC. It already seems to be well known that the Rockets are going to be making "the big push" for Bosh and for the championship next season. I really don't see this deal not going through.

And to the poster above talking about preference for a team with cap space is way off. You want to go to the team that is willing and able to pay well into the luxury tax. Teams below the cap this summer are going to be severely limited in how much they can spend.

Brooks
Martin
Battier/Ariza
Bosh
Yao

with the ability to re-sign Scola and Lowry and Hayes AND use the full MLE? And play for one of the best coaches in the league ('s history)? Like Chicago can match that. Houston can actually compensate the Raptors without losing any core pieces, that should be a big thing Bosh - i'm sure he doesn't want to become the new Vince. it's a no brainer.

[Teckon]

Raptors telling Bosh to chose Houston or else...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Plu8jvYL1Eo

[HANKX12]

Raptors telling Bosh to chose Houston or else...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Plu8jvYL1Eo

very good and very funny movie, ty:)

[The Franchise_]

First I would like to say hello to everyone. I'm a Houston fan who's been reading this debate for about a week now, and decided to register just to add my opinion to the quagmire. I understand Toronto wanting to get something of value for Bosh. I feel that they will get offers from teams (my own included) that will be more than fair. Thinking another team is going to cripple themselves just to get him though is unrealistic to say the least. For example: " If they don't start things off with Aaron Brooks, Kevin Martin, or Yao Ming no deal! " Really? Are there people who think this is even possible? That's like saying OKC has to give us Westbrook and Ibaka or there's no point in talking. People should really temper their expectations if they think a main cog is going to be given up by any team in any deal. Not gonna happen. Let's say Bosh was under contract for two more years, and Yao was healthy and about to become a free agent. Would you trade Bosh and Jack for Yao?
Wouldn't make much sesnse to make a trade that would leave you treading water or worse does it? Now let me move onto what I think Houston realistically has to offer, and how it applies to Toronto.

As many have said, Houston has openly shown their interest in Bosh, and that does give the Raptors leverage. How much leverage is where some Raptor fans seem to lose a grip on reality. What some fail to grasp is that the Raptors have to get a deal done in order to not have this summer be a complete disaster. The Rockets don't. Contrary to some opinions, showing interest in Bosh does not mean he is Houston's only option. Let's say Houston offers Toronto Hill, Battier, Jeffries, our 2011 pick (swap with NY), and NY 2012 pick for Bosh and Toronto says no deal. Do you really think D. Morey (the smartest GM in the NBA) is going to add anything else to an already generous offer? He will say thank you for considering our offer, and move on to plan B, and C. Have some of you forgotten that he was working on a trade for Stoudamire at the trade deadline that he turned down? How about Al Jefferson being shopped? How about David Lee being a free agent? How about we still have Scola and Hill? Our worst case scenario is we draft a backup C (hopefully Solomon Alabi) and go forward with the team we have and our NY picks. We would still be a contender with or without Bosh.

Yao/Alabi (7'1 255 lbs. excellent post defender/shotblocker)
Scola/Hill (much better than most of you realize)
Ariza/Battier
Martin/Budinger
Brooks/Lowry

Now, does that lineup really make you think this team is going to overcompensate just for the priviledge of paying Bosh 130 million? The Raptors will be given a fair deal, but if anyone thinks Morey will be taken to the cleaners, they need to wake up from such a fantastic dream. In reality the deal I listed above will probably be the best deal (in terms of flexibility, draft picks and cap space) BC will see come across his desk from anyone.

[hype_2004]

BC is a sly crafty politician, he knows how to play the game and can cover himself if he does not get anything of value from Bosh, but can Bosh ego, pride and spending habits survive not getting his coveted extra 30 mil? doubt it.

That is why Bosh has an agent.....so that he has an advocate for him to be the "bad guy" and do what ever needs to be done to get Bosh to his team of choice.

Can BC's pride and ego (or job) survive losing Bosh for nothing while getting dragged through the mud? And as far as Bosh's spending habits....WHAT? Are you saying that Bosh has already blown through the $40 or so million he has made, will blow through the $95M he is guranteed and NEEDS that extra money 6 years from now?

In the end, Bosh will go to whatever team (Mia, Chi, Hou, or LAL) he wants to go to on a 6 year deal. There is just no upside in an ugly public battle.

Yes but it always happens in a divorce no matter how cordial it may seem on the surface. BC will look out for the best interest of the team and Bosh will obviously look out for himself, that's just the way it is. BC will remain employed as long as the Raptors continue to make a profit, even then he has a lot of connections in and out of basketball that he need not worry about job security, BC will do as he pleases, Bosh and his agent will not do a damn thing about it.

[hype_2004]

First I would like to say hello to everyone. I'm a Houston fan who's been reading this debate for about a week now, and decided to register just to add my opinion to the quagmire. I understand Toronto wanting to get something of value for Bosh. I feel that they will get offers from teams (my own included) that will be more than fair. Thinking another team is going to cripple themselves just to get him though is unrealistic to say the least. For example: " If they don't start things off with Aaron Brooks, Kevin Martin, or Yao Ming no deal! " Really? Are there people who think this is even possible? That's like saying OKC has to give us Westbrook and Ibaka or there's no point in talking. People should really temper their expectations if they think a main cog is going to be given up by any team in any deal. Not gonna happen. Let's say Bosh was under contract for two more years, and Yao was healthy and about to become a free agent. Would you trade Bosh and Jack for Yao?
Wouldn't make much sesnse to make a trade that would leave you treading water or worse does it? Now let me move onto what I think Houston realistically has to offer, and how it applies to Toronto.

As many have said, Houston has openly shown their interest in Bosh, and that does give the Raptors leverage. How much leverage is where some Raptor fans seem to lose a grip on reality. What some fail to grasp is that the Raptors have to get a deal done in order to not have this summer be a complete disaster. The Rockets don't. Contrary to some opinions, showing interest in Bosh does not mean he is Houston's only option. Let's say Houston offers Toronto Hill, Battier, Jeffries, our 2011 pick (swap with NY), and NY 2012 pick for Bosh and Toronto says no deal. Do you really think D. Morey (the smartest GM in the NBA) is going to add anything else to an already generous offer? He will say thank you for considering our offer, and move on to plan B, and C. Have some of you forgotten that he was working on a trade for Stoudamire at the trade deadline that he turned down? How about Al Jefferson being shopped? How about David Lee being a free agent? How about we still have Scola and Hill? Our worst case scenario is we draft a backup C (hopefully Solomon Alabi) and go forward with the team we have and our NY picks. We would still be a contender with or without Bosh.

Yao/Alabi (7'1 255 lbs. excellent post defender/shotblocker)
Scola/Hill (much better than most of you realize)
Ariza/Battier
Martin/Budinger
Brooks/Lowry

Now, does that lineup really make you think this team is going to overcompensate just for the priviledge of paying Bosh 130 million? The Raptors will be given a fair deal, but if anyone thinks Morey will be taken to the cleaners, they need to wake up from such a fantastic dream. In reality the deal I listed above will probably be the best deal (in terms of flexibility, draft picks and cap space) BC will see come across his desk from anyone.

Yaeh that's really nice but BC is the deal breaker here, if he doesn't like the offer then he will refuse.Raps get nothing(BC will play the media once again and life goes on), Houston gets nothing and Bosh does not get his extra 30 mil, who's the real winner here? no one.

[Crazy-Canuck]

. Let's say Houston offers Toronto Hill, Battier, Jeffries, our 2011 pick (swap with NY), and NY 2012 pick for Bosh .

I dont think Id have too many problems with that package for Bosh.

[LarsV8]

. Let's say Houston offers Toronto Hill, Battier, Jeffries, our 2011 pick (swap with NY), and NY 2012 pick for Bosh .

I dont think Id have too many problems with that package for Bosh.

Unfortunately some of your most vocal fans do.

[redred9]

. Let's say Houston offers Toronto Hill, Battier, Jeffries, our 2011 pick (swap with NY), and NY 2012 pick for Bosh .

I dont think Id have too many problems with that package for Bosh.

i think this is actually what the deal will be & ive been saying it for ages. To be honest it's risky, but compared with the prospect of obtaining Michael Beasley or David Lee (or heaven help us, Taj Gibson of all people..) I will take the Houston deal 10/10.

Would Bosh? Unless the Lakers deal is on the table, there are so many things about the Houston organisation that would make sense for Bosh.

Remember guys if we keep Bosh away from New York, those picks could be pretty awesome. Not to mention we will surely suck = what could be a very quick re-build in Toronto.


EDIT: what would really make things interesting is if a team like Portland came out of nowhere and made a bid. Say they offered Lamarcus Aldridge + one of their promising youngsters- what happens then? Of course that's wishful thinking on our behalf. ie. a bidding war.