Chris Bosh's agent, Henry Thomas, has told the Toronto Raptors that he's narrowed his list of preferred teams down to five, two sources told ESPN.com's Chad Ford. The list--which includes the Rapto, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, and New York Knicks (in no particular order) was given to management in case Toronto wants to construct a sign and trade deal (assuming Bosh doesn't want to re-sign with the Raptors). Contrary to belief, Bosh has no interest in signing with one of his home town teams in the state of Texas, or the up and coming Oklahoma City Thunder.
"It's been narrowed down to handful of teams, including us", Bryan Colangelo told the Toronto Star without providing more detail.
Of the four teams (not including Toronto), I believe the Lakers present the most interesting sign and trade scenario--the Raptors have shown great interest in both Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol. However, a source said "If the Lakers win the NBA title, I think the chances of them shaking up the roster goes down dramatically".
I also believe the Knicks could be a likely destination for the all-star. Like Bynum and Gasol, the Raptors have shown interest in David Lee, who will very likely leave the Knicks. Beside these two teams, I can't imagine the Raptors facilitating a deal with the Heat or Bulls--neither team presents a good enough player for the Raptors to acquire in return. Yes, the Raptors could land Taj Gibson or Joakim Noah from the Bulls, but sources believe that's highly unlikely.
A sign and trade would be beneficial for both the Raptors and the team Bosh may sign with. The Raptors will get a player in return, and Bosh would get one more year and more money on his contract.
The source also said that Bosh's decision hinges on where LeBron James signs. "If LeBron decides to go to either New York or Chicago, I think that's where you'll see Chris land," the source told Ford. "If LeBron stays in Cleveland, I think the process is more wide open."
However...
Bosh and his agent have denied the report, and claim a list hasn't been given to the organization. "Why would I do that?" Thomas said about the wish list. "We're still in a process of evaluating a lot different situations." Thomas also said that Bosh is not committed to a sign-and-trade deal.
I personally don't believe this report for one minute. Bosh and his agent have definitely given a list to management, and Bryan Colangelo has been quoted saying the report is indeed true. Given the fact that Bosh is denying the report, along with his Twitter incident a few weeks ago, I think it's safe to say Bosh won't re-sign with Toronto. I don't blame him for wanting to leave, but as a Raptors fan, it's very disappointing to see his Raptors tenure (possibly) coming to an end. However, it appears that if Bosh departs Canada, the Raptors will get something in return. Bosh and Colangelo have agreed to "work together" regardless of Bosh decides to do.
July 1st, the day free agency officially begins, is only 41 days away. Cross your fingers, Raptor fans.
