Stars Aligned for Possible Bosh Extension

So word on the street is that Chris Bosh will now consider an extension with the Raptors this summer despite earlier suggestions that he would wait until the 2010 free agent period when his fellow draft class alumni, Dwayne Wade and Lebron James, would also be available.

The timing would appear to be right for Bosh, and the Raptors organization, to sign long term as this summer the team has added a slew of players that look to form a nucleus for the future.  The other factor that may be more intriguing is that the big 2010 free agent period is beginning to look like it won’t be all it was supposed to be.  Don’t get me wrong, Lebron and Wade will get their money, but if the tax threshold for next season goes down and uncertain economic times continue then Bosh could, conceivably, make less money next summer than he could get from the Raptors right now.

If Brian Colangelo is able to pull this off it would be the cherry on his off-season sundae.  He has completely re-vamped this team with exciting new additions and has created a buzz in the city of Toronto.  Adding Chris Bosh to the long term core of this team would, theoretically, set up the franchise for success for the next 4-5 years.

The Raptors franchise player may decide to sign an extension this summer instead of waiting until next year.

But, why would Chris Bosh sign now and not wait until 2010?

- The team has made major moves to become contenders in the Eastern Conference and has locked up their core (Bargnani, Calderon, Turkoglu, and Jack) for the next 4-5 years.

- The team now has adequate backups (Amir Johnson, Reggie Evans, Rasho Nesterovic) at Bosh’s position meaning he will get rest when he needs it.

- The team went out and acquired one of his best friends in Jarrett Jack showing Bosh he truly is the franchise player they want to build around.

- Most importantly, he may not have another chance to make max money again as the 2010 free agent period will probably not hold the golden ticket he once thought it would.

The stars are now beginning to align and it appears the likelihood of a Bosh extension this summer is as close to happening as it has ever been.  If Bosh is wise he will sign now while he can still make max money and if he doesn’t the raptors can still offer him more than anyone else can next summer.

The thought of Bosh in another uniform has been a scary thought for Raptors fans for the last year but their worries could finally be all over.