It remains unclear whether LeBron James will return to the Miami Heat next season, but the picture might be clearing a little as a source with intimate knowledge of the situation told ESPN.com that unrestricted free-agent center/power forward Chris Bosh is taking a hard look at an offer he received recently from Houston.
Chris Bosh seriously considering Rockets' maximum contract offer of 4-years/$96 million. (via @Chris_Broussard)- SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 7, 2014
Bosh, who had two years and $42 million remaining on his contract in Miami, decided to opt up of that deal in hopes of reuniting with James and guard Dwyane Wade next season. All three All-Stars opted out of their deals.
James, however, has not yet committed to returning to the Heat, and Cleveland is gradually becoming a big threat to reacquire him. James, a native of Akron, Ohio, played the first seven years of his professional career with the Cavaliers.
After speaking with James recently, Bosh came away less convinced his teammate will return to Miami and decided it's time to explore his options on the open market. Houston quickly reached out and offered Bosh its maximum contract -- $96 million over four years.
Miami, according to sources, is trying to get Bosh to take less money in hopes of clearing enough salary-cap space to attract another high-quality free agent to join him, James and Wade. James, however, has made it clear that he wants a max deal to stay in Miami.
The contract Houston is offering Bosh is the same deal it presented to Carmelo Anthony, but the Rockets are certain the New York Knicks free agent will not accept. It is widely believed that Anthony will re-sign with New York, though the Los Angeles Lakers are pursuing him aggressively.
To make their offer to Bosh work, the Rockets are expected to pursue a trade involving point guard Jeremy Lin. The Philadelphia 76ers are interested in Lin, according to ESPN.com.
Bosh averaged 16.2 points and 6.6 rebounds last season. He was often the third option in Miami's offense, but would likely be the second offensive option in Houston - behind shooting guard James Harden, who posted averages of 25.4 points and 6.1 rebound during the 2013-2014 season.
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