The Miami Heat have netted a five-year, $118 million deal with All-Star center Chris Bosh.
Only hours after the Heat were rocked by LeBron James’ sudden announcement he was returning to his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami rebounded to sign the veteran Bosh, who averaged 16 points, seven rebounds and a block last season for the Eastern Conference champs.
With James now in Cleveland, Coach Erik Spoelstra and 2014-15 Heat are expected to structure more of their offense around Bosh, whose best season over his 11-year career came in 2009-10 when he averaged 24 points and 11 rebounds with the Toronto Raptors.
Bosh attracted attention from several teams during free agency, including the Dallas Mavericks, L.A. Lakers and his hometown Houston Rockets, who actually offered him a maximum four-year deal at just under $90 million.
Bosh became a free agent soon after the Heat were dethroned by the San Antonio Spurs 4-1 in this year’s NBA finals and he, James and Dwyane Wade all moved to opt out of the remainder of their deals.
Initially, the moves were thought to be part of a grand scheme orchestrated by the trio to allow the Heat more salary cap flexibility in retooling their roster for seasons to come. Since the so-called Big 3 joined in Miami following the 2010 season, the Heat have advanced to four straight NBA finals and won back-to-back titles beginning in 2011-12.
The Heat are now also expected to move to re-sign Wade, who has spent all 11 of his NBA seasons with the organization, as well as longtime veteran forward Udonis Haslem, who like the Big 3 opted out of the final year of his deal earlier this offseason.
Bosh’s best statistical season with the Heat came during his first season in South Beach when he averaged 18.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists and a block.
