The problem with Toronto trading Chris Bosh to Houston

July 01 09

They’ll want the right assets. Not just cap space. Not a point guard. And not a South American tough guy set to hit free agency.

If the Toronto Raptors are forced to trade Chris Bosh this off-season, the ‘Dinos’ will want young talent they can build around instead of expiring contracts. The reason: most big-ticket free agents won’t consider playing in Canada, so accumulating cap space is useless.

Of course, this brings us to today’s rumour in the Houston Chronicle that the Rockets will try to swing a summer trade for the lanky four-man.

“Once the Toronto Raptors figure out that Chris Bosh will be departing via free agency a year from now, they may be inclined to trade him this summer. Their choice is to trade him to the Rockets now and get something in return, or wait until he signs with the Rockets a year from now and get nothing. If they decide to deal him, Rockets general manager Daryl Morey almost certainly would like to be at the front of the line.” (Houston Chronicle via Fan Nation on CNNSI)

In today’s economic climate, Tracy McGrady’s expiring contract would be significant for most clubs. Not Toronto. At first glance, Houston lacks the assets to complete a deal.

The Raptors aren’t hurting for cash. The NBA franchise is part of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment’s diverse and valuable holdings, which includes model franchises like MLS’ Toronto FC and the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs.

This company prints cash. They have no need to cut costs and taking back the last year of McGrady’s 23 million dollar deal holds little appeal because they’ll struggle to re-invest those funds in free agents on the open market.

Also, trading for T-Mac, even if it’s only for his contract, would bring more bad publicity than that John guy, who got busted cheating on his wife and eight kids. Remember, the injury-prone swing was drafted by the Raptors and bolted as a free agent. Vince Carter, McGrady’s cousin, also left on poor terms.

The Rockets do have two appealing pieces, but there are complications. First, point guard Aaron Brooks showed great promise in the Lakers series. However, the club already has Jose Calderon at the one-spot, who has 40 million dollars left on his multi-year contract.

Second, blue-collar post Luis Scola could be a fit next to finesse five Andrea Bargnani and, as an Argentine, might enjoy an international city like Toronto. However, his much-needed toughness is only under contract for one season.

The Raptors may move Bosh this off-season. But the Rockets lack the pieces to complete a deal.

Could Bosh end up in Houston? Why? Why not? Get at us with thoughts in the comment box below and come back to HoopsVibe the Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of Nero88.

15 Comments: The problem with Toronto trading Chris Bosh to Houston

Posted by

on 08.12.2009

steve nash averaged 10 assists last season. he is better then calderon without a doubt .

Posted by

on 07.4.2009

bosh to the suns for nash........ he can play as a #2 PG - his career is winding down .... at least we’ll get something for mr Ru paul .

Posted by

on 07.3.2009

Okey, were talking about chris bosh. WHY the hel would you trade chris bosh for beasly. I mean i get that the raptors want young talent buy come on. Chris bosh is amazing. I get that bosh has a expiring contract and he will probably go in 2010 free agency but get like a superstar. I dont understand why everyone is dissing the rockets trade. Chris Bosh for t mac is a amazing trade. T mac is not going to get hurt anymore, and i do belive that he will come back to a superstar figure. .

Posted by
Snika
on 07.3.2009

I have to be honest, Toronto is a LONG ways a way from being a contender. Let’s get them into the playoffs for 2 years in a row, then we can talk about contending. They should probably trade Bosh, to get a return... I would think there should be quite a few teams they COULD talk to. Talentwise, Dallas - Howard: Detroit - Prince & Stuckey: Miami - Beasley: Bulls - Thomas & Salmons. You have to get young or international players that don’t mind being in that kind of market. Not everyone wants to play in Canada. .

Posted by

on 07.3.2009

Either way, Bosh as to go this season. Don’t let him walk get some talent for him. As a Raps fan I would be content with them going after Millsap or Lee and then looking to move Bosh. The Raps will not be competitive enough to convince him to resign and the competition in the East is getting better. Sure, they may make the playoffs, but they won’t be a good seed and Boston, Orlando, Cleveland, and even Washington/Atlanta/Philly looks like they’ll have their way with them. Bargani looked great at the end of the season, Him, Calderon, Lee or Millsap, and hopefully Demar can become something. They have to look to be contenders two-three years from now, because its not a possibility this year. .

Posted by
hasn bin laiden
on 07.3.2009

i agree with snika, the bulls and heat are the frontrunners. i’ll throw in another potential bidder: dallas. cuban has said he wants to make a splash this off-season and has the deep pockets to do it. although financial concerns will not be the chief motivation for a bosh deal, dallas could take banks off their hands and send stackhouse to the raps to be bought out in addition to whatever the key pieces of a deal might be. this might require a third team being added to the deal to get toronto the talent it wants, and maybe it isn’t likely; but i do think cuban’s will to win and financial resources at least merit consideration. .

Posted by
Snika
on 07.2.2009

Won’t happen... best bet is Bosh to the bulls or heat, where you can target young talent like Tyrus and Salmons or Miami with Beasley. Don’t even talk to teams like the Rockets, that will do you no good. .

Posted by

on 07.2.2009

I just realized something, There’s never been a good trade done by the raptors, they lost all there star players and every player they bring in is ether a flop or gets traded the year after. Let’s see the flops:Matrix, Jalen Rose, Jermaine O’neil, Rafer Alston, Mike James, R. Arujo, and many more....Lost Star players:TJ Ford, Villenueva, Vince Carter, M. Camby, T-Mac,...Chris BoshIt’s either the management that sucks a** or simply the city .

Posted by

on 07.2.2009

I say F*** Bosh, I hate his attitude and he’s a f****ing alien for god’s sake. Trade him for ball or a pile of towels...The raptors are screwed anyway, nobody wants to play there. .

Posted by
poi
on 07.2.2009

Its not that the MLSE are strapped for cash, its that they refuse to use it because their tight .

Posted by
Brain Colangelo
on 07.1.2009

I posted this a while ago at Raptors Republic... T-Mac and Scola for Bosh and Banks. Works financially, getting Scola is better than nothing... who cares if T-Mac ever plays again. .

Posted by
O.Sandor
on 07.1.2009

Hi first three posters. Thanks for your comments. Interesting points. The Raps must get back assets they can hold onto. So perhaps, they acquire Scola by working out a sign-and trade ... and if you get Brooks, what about Calderon? So I’m not sure if Houston has the right mix of players Maybe another team needs to be brought in! Thanks ... .

Posted by

on 07.1.2009

DO NOT DO THAT. Horrible Idea . . Toronto needs to bring a franchise type player to the team . . enough of this role player bulls---. . MAKE A BIG TRADE .

Posted by

on 07.1.2009

So long as Raptors get Scola, Battier, Lowery, and may be a three way trade to bring back a low post back up, I think the raptors are fine with the trade. .

Posted by
Joe
on 07.1.2009

Could be good for both teams. Scola is nearly an alstar level player and so is Brooks with a little developement. Bosh would fit nicely in a big market. I say both teams make out really nice with this trade. Plus if you get Tmac contract wouldnt you have money to resign Scola? He could end up in Houston and Toronto may even be better financially and player wise for it. Have all the pieces and the money to sign another big piece or trade for one. .

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	About Oly Sandor
Daily take on NBA Oly Sandor is an NBA analyst and sports journalist based out of Vancouver, Canada.After years of the free-lance game, Oly Sandor is bringing his unique brand of NBA analysis exclusively to (...) More

The problem with Toronto trading Chris Bosh to Houston

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