The Houston Rockets offered a maximum four-year deal to Chris Bosh, and the All-Star power forward is reportedly considering leaving the Miami Heat this summer.
ESPN reported that the Rockets dangled a four-year deal worth $88 million to Bosh, who opted out of the final two years of his contract with the Miami to become a free agent this offseason.
Sources indicated that Bosh, who averaged 16.2 points and 6.6 rebounds per game last season, wanted to stay in Miami with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.
However, Bosh is reportedly unsure whether or not James will be back in Miami next season, which prompted that 30-year-old forward to consider other offers, including the Rockets' attractive four-year offer.
"A conversation with James about his future in Miami this past weekend created enough doubt for Bosh to begin considering his other options, including Houston's offer, a source said. The source said Bosh did not know whether James was staying in Miami," ESPN noted.
Another factor that reportedly swayed Bosh to consider Houston's offer is the discouraging progress of his contract talks with the Heat over the past several days.
Previous reports indicated that Bosh was willing to take another pay cut and accept a five-year deal worth around $80-90 million to stay in Miami. But to Bosh's dismay, the Heat wanted him to take lesser money.
"Sources say the Heat have been trying to get Bosh to accept a lesser deal, obviously so they can have more money to spend in free agency," ESPN reported. "The Heat's "low-balling" - plus his conversation with James -- has led Bosh to take a serious look at Houston's offer, which could approach $90 million as it can change slightly."
Houston also offered the same amount to free-agent superstar Carmelo Anthony, but the Rockets are reportedly losing hope in their pursuit of the All-Star forward, who is reportedly considering returning to the New York Knicks, or signing with the Los Angeles Lakers or the Chicago Bulls.
If the Rockets get a verbal agreement either from Bosh or Anthony, they will have to trade Jeremy Lin in order to create cap space for a maximum contract. Lin is set to receive around $15 million next season with an $8.4 million salary cap hit.
