The Miami Heat will not even utter the term free agency right now. The team is in the midst of attempting to win a third-straight NBA title and are keeping the offseason and future contracts on the backburner until everything is totally over. However, that is not stopping other teams not in the postseason from adding Heat players to their offseason wish lists. All three of the "Big 3" are available to become free agents if they so choose and several teams are ready to pull them away from South Beach.
The Los Angeles Lakers have vowed to not have another disappointing season like 2013 where they finished as one of the worst teams in the league. With almost the entire roster not returning outside of three players, they are ready to make a run at a few options. Chris Bosh is one of them.
According to Sam Amico of FOX Sports, the Los Angeles Lakers are heavily interested in Bosh and there is reportedly mutual interest from the Heat star as well. Amico admits the deal is a long shot. The Lakers are still cash strapped despite several players leaving. The Kobe Bryant contract does not help their efforts. But, Bosh is expected to opt out of Miami and will likely at least meet with the Lakers.
Los Angeles is preparing for the loss of Pau Gasol which would open the door for Bosh. Interest in Bosh means the Lakers are not expecting Gasol to return, something that remains to be seen. The long-time Laker is a free agent as well and wants to go to a team ready to win now and not later. Despite what some fans may believe, that is not the Lakers for at least another season. Plus, Bosh is not going to take an extreme pay cut again like he did with Miami, Los Angeles might not be able to afford him altogether.
The Dallas Mavericks are reportedly crossing Bosh off their list for the same reason. The Mavericks had heavy interest in Bosh before he signed to Miami and were expected to take a look at the center once again. However, ESPNDallas.com writes the Mavericks going to be forced to make roster adjustments through trades and not out-right signings for cap space reasons.
Right now, many NBA sources believe the Big 3 will opt out of their contracts, but remain in Miami for another term. Bosh has made hints of that happening, noting several times that while they are all free agents, remaining in Miami is the ultimate goal. However, if the Heat miss out on an NBA title this year, will that statement still hold true?