With the Iverson trade, people have realized how much cap space the Pistons will have the next couple years (A.I. and 'Sheed's contract expire this year, and Rip's expires next year). And that's naturally led to reporters and analysts to speculate about who they'd target. With Bosh's contract ending in couple years, it makes sense that they'd believe Dumars will attempt to make up for his '04 draft blunder and sign Bosh away (David Aldridge (video), Chad Ford article, and Michael Grange article). Pre-Colangelo, this new development would have stressed the hell outta me. I remember being ridiculously concerned about whether or not Bosh would re-sign with us when we had Babcock as our GM (to the point that I actually advocated keeping Smitch because of his relationship with Bosh). It seems like throughout our franchise's history we've had to deal with speculation over our best players bolting town. Stoudamire, McGrady, Carter, Antonio Davis, Chris Bosh, Jose Calderon, etc. But for the first time, I feel very confident in dismissing these rumours. Sure our success has been limited to first round exits, but there's no denying that under BC, the teams developed a more positive, winning culture. I sense more trust among the players in their front office, knowing that every offseason they're competent and aggressive enough to do what it takes to improve the team. Colangelo, summed this up in that Grange article: It's a pretty cool feeling.
Absolutely. Some cities, like NY, LA, Boston and Detroit enjoy a great constant nostalgia about basketball so players may be slightly more inclined to "dream" about playing there. But really, it's all about winning and the money for these guys. They'll sign with the team that gives them the best of those two. Two more first round exists and maybe Bosh leaves. I might even understand. But a couple of deep playoff runs and BC's money will be as green or greener then anyone else's.
yeah, i'm not concerned. we can offer him the most and we're one of the best overall franchises out there. it's BC that i hope doesn't bolt one of these years.
These teams that are gearing up for a big salary dump in 2 years to have tons of cap space. How enticing will their roster of scrubs and 'potential' guys be to the LeBron's and Bosh's? Chris has an entire country following him in Toronto and has a great GM who will make moves to improve the team and a coach he likes and some very good players to play with. Of what benefit is it to him to go play with Tashaun Prince and Jason Maxiell over where he is now? it's just rampant speculation by the media in order to create a story IMO. Bosh leaves Toronto if the team sucks or the owner gets cheap and that's about it IMO.
I don't see Bosh leaving TO just like I didn't see KG leave Minny. Let me explain. I see Bosh remain loyal to TO just as KG was to minny and I don't see Bosh leaving TO unless he was in a situation like KG in minny. I don't think Bosh is as loyal, but I think you get my drift?
I think it is very unlikely for an All-Star to play for less than three teams in his career these days. I don't expect Bosh to be a Raptor for life--though I expect him to sign a 3-year or so extension with the team.
How come no one ever talks about big name free agents coming to TO, we're an up and coming team who also happens to have a big expiring contract (JO) that will expire during the big free lebron,wade,bosh sweepstakes offseason.
Because most American media doesn't see Toronto as one of the largest markets in North America, they see Toronto as a last resort. Toronto should have $20M plus in cap space that summer even after re-signing Bosh and Bargnani, but I suspect Colangelo would rather spend it on two or three players than on one.
