Early in the NBA free agency bonanza, several reports emerged that the Toronto Raptors would be unwilling to do a sign-and-trade involving star power forward Chris Bosh. The reasons were never clear, but the stance didn't make sense since Bosh has made it abundantly clear that he will not be returning to the Raptors.
As a sign that G.M. Bryan Colangelo and the rest of the organization may be coming to their senses, ESPN's Chris Broussard reports that Toronto has changed its mind. Per several sources, the Raptors would be willing to do a sign-and-trade with Cleveland. Bosh has indicated all along that he wants a maximum deal, which he could only get through a sign-and-trade. The difference between a max deal through a sign-and-trade and a free agent max deal is about $29 million. So it appears LeBron James is staying in Cleveland, and Bosh is going to join him.
The only problem? Bosh has other ideas.
James remains part of the equation for Bosh, but in a different city. Broussard's sources indicate that Miami, Chicago and New Jersey are the teams he would prefer to play for. James is being recruited by each of those teams, but it is not yet clear which way he is leaning. Should James decide to remain in Cleveland, the apparent belief is that Bosh will head elsewhere. If that becomes the case, Bosh may have to settle for the free agent max deal, because Toronto has only OK'd a sign-and-trade with the Cavaliers and no one else. The Raptors are reportedly uninterested in what Miami and Chicago would have to offer.
Where Bosh ends up is anyone's guess, but it's a safe bet that it won't be Cleveland.
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