Not yet gone: Chris Bosh could still re-sign with Toronto Raptors in 2010

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Their News: Ya know, fans are absolutely amazing. It’s day two of all this bantering about my report that Chris Bosh wants out of Toronto and you’d think I reported the All-Star forward committing a crime.

 For the last time, I’ll repeat what I reported: Bosh wants out of Toronto. He’s not about to admit it because he’s still in Toronto and doesn’t want to bring unnecessary stress to his life. His agent, Henry Thomas, knows this to be true. So does Bryan Colangelo, despite his public denials. And I have absolutely no problem with them because --- guess what, people? — they’re doing exactly what they’re suppose to do. (ESPN reporter Stephen A. Smith’s blog)

Our Very Quick Analysis: Stay or go?  

This is the choice Chris Bosh will have to make in July of 2010. Will he stay with Toronto and re-sign a lucrative extension? Or, will he test the free agent waters and go elsewhere? 

Recent reports indicate Bosh had already informed the Raptors he wasn’t interested in staying north of border past 2010. This could be correct. After all, the Canadian dinosaurs have taken several steps back as an organization.

Few believed Bosh and management when they publicly denied this report. Now the clock is apparently ticking. Most expect the lanky-lefthander to become the latest mega-star to bolt The Big Smoke? 

This is a tad presumptuous. After all, Bosh has several reasons to re-up with Toronto. 

In accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement’s Larry Bird rules, the Raptors can offer their franchise-face thirty million dollars more than other teams. Money, even for an NBA superstar rolling in bling, matters. This clause provides GM Bryan Colangelo with a considerable advantage.

Toronto has cap space. Even with Bosh on the books at 17 million dollars, they only have 40 million dollars in committed salary past the 2010 season. They could keep ‘CB4’, bring in another ‘max’ level player, and tweak the supporting cast. 

The front office is strong and ownership has deep, recession-proof pockets. Colangelo, a two-time Executive of the Year, has the skill, and motivation, to fix the mess he helped create. Also, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, the Raptors’ parent company owns the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs and MLS’ Toronto FC. Both print money, which means the Raptors have the resources to spend on players and stay competitive –even in a declining economy.

Right now, Bosh is frustrated enough to go. There are, however, just as many reasons for him to stay with Toronto. 

Stay or go? What will Bosh do in the summer of 2010? Get at us with thoughts in the comment box below and come back to HoopsVibe the Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of K-Billz.