The Houston Rockets have reportedly offered Chris Bosh a four-year $88 million contract for his consideration, and would likely trade Jeremy Lin to free up cap space if the Miami Heat star accepts the offer.
Chris Bosh grew up in Texas, and might very well return to his home state - that is, if LeBron James decides to leave the Miami Heat. Both Bosh and James have opted out of their contracts with the Heat after losing this year's NBA finals, but neither one has committed to another team as of yet.
While Bosh has made his intentions of sticking by LeBron James' side known, he would get significantly more money from Houston than if he stays with Miami. According to the Houston Chronicle, the max deal that the Rockets offered him would start at $20.7 million and value at around $88 million over four years. Houston had offered Carmelo Anthony a similar deal, but it is rumored that he will likely accept an offer from either the Lakers or the New York Knicks instead. Analysts say that Rockets guard Jeremy Lin would likely be traded in order to make room in the salary cap if Bosh accepts Houston's offer.
Kurt Helin from NBC Sports argues that Bosh would be a great fit for Houston, since the Rockets are in need of good post play and rebounding. Bosh is also a good defender, and it is believed that he would likely play the power forward position for Houston, with Dwight Howard at center.
EPSN reports that though Bosh is seriously considering the offer from Houston, his preference would be to remain in Miami with James. "Bosh's number one desire has not wavered from day one, it's to play with LeBron James in Miami. If LeBron leaves ... it would take more money to keep him in Miami," says sports analyst Chris Broussard.
If Bosh joins Houston, he would form a star trio with James Harden and Dwight Howard. "This is the best option he's going to have," says ESPN analyst Tim Legler, caveating that Bosh would likely stay in Miami with LeBron James if that were an option. With James Harden drawing extra defenders on the perimeter, Bosh would be freed up at the 15-foot range. Also, Bosh wouldn't have to defend centers like he has had to do on the Heat with Dwight Howard at center for the Rockets. However, Bosh is used to LeBron's playing style and willingness to give up the rock, and would have to learn to work with James Harden who is more apt to driving to the hoop on his own.
Houston would benefit at post with the addition of Bosh if he accepts their offer; "It brings a winner into your locker room, a veteran player," says Legler. It is speculated that the NBA star will not give an answer to Houston until LeBron James makes his decision to leave or stay with Miami.
