« Reply #23 on: October 13, 2016, 11:43:31 AM »
I think MIA is actually trying to look out for the guy. They don't want to see him die on the court. I know it sounds strong but I just think back to Reggie Lewis holding his heart after collapsing during a playoff game. It looks as though that MIA is doing what they think is best for Bosh health. Whether or not he agrees with it is another matter.
I don't think that's true. The way Riley cut off communication and didn't even tell Bosh before the "his Heat career is over" interview suggests to me that they don't care at all.
Lebron, Wade and Bosh have all had recent issues with Riley. The guy is a snake, and if he needs to discard Bosh to clear up cap space, he'll do it in a second.
While I agree that Riley is largely being a snake here and taking advantage of an opportunity to get salary cap space, the health issue must be completely legitimate. If they release Bosh and he doesn't retire and goes on to play just 25 games with another team, I believe his contract would go back onto Miami's cap. That would absolutely cripple the team for years to come.
So while I think Riley mostly wants to just get rid of Bosh and move forward with a rebuild, he's also got to be entirely convinced that Bosh shouldn't and can't play again. Otherwise he'd just buy Bosh out and not risk taking the salary cap hit AND losing the insurance claim.
Mike
If they buy Bosh out, that money still stays on the cap and it could still void any insurance claim.
If they make it impossible for Bosh to play 25 games this season,it gives them money for two max contracts this summer. Even if the salary gets added back on later, they still get the benefit of that cap room.
Miami hates the luxury tax. I mean they skimped on small dollar salaries for years during their big 3 era, which is one of the reasons James was quick to go back to Cleveland (if Miami wasn't so cheap I think there is a good chance James would have opted in and finished out that 6 year contract) and of course why Wade left this past summer. A max contract basically all being tax, would be hilarious given that. I almost hope it happens, just for the pure entertainment value alone.
I'm also not sure how they get 2 max contracts this summer without some significant moves. I mean Whiteside and Dragic are 40 million alone. Plus McRoberts and Johnson are another 11 and then you have Winslow's 3. Waiters and Reed have player options of 4 million, plus all the normal roster spot holds (and that assumes they let all of their free agents go). They would have to make some moves to have space for 2 max contracts. They could certainly do it, but they also need to find a team willing to take on salary without much back in return since Miami doesn't have much and I doubt they move Winslow to create that room.
« Last Edit: October 13, 2016, 11:48:35 AM by Moranis »

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