Chris Bosh's time with the Miami Heat is officially over.
Weeks after the sides came to a final agreement on how to part ways and more than a year since his last NBA appearance because of blood-clot issues, Bosh was waived by the Heat on Tuesday.
“Chris changed his life and basketball career when he came to Miami and he changed our lives for the better, in a way we never would have imagined," Heat President Pat Riley said in a statement. "He is, without a doubt, one of the greatest players in the history of the franchise."
The move was a formality. It gives Miami access to $25.3 million in salary-cap space for this coming season, which the Heat can officially begin using to sign free agents starting Thursday. The team's top target has been Gordon Hayward but if he signs elsewhere, Miami may look to bring back Dion Waiters.
Bosh still gets that salary, plus $26.8 million for next season, and in theory could continue his career — if another team declares him fit to play. It's unknown if that will happen but at least there's finally closure on his Miami era, and the Heat announced his jersey has been retired.
Bosh was an NBA All-Star eleven times in his thirteen-year NBA career, including all six seasons he spent in Miami, helping lead the team to four straight trips to the NBA Finals and back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013, including a clutch offensive rebound by Bosh which helped key a comeback over the Spurs.
The 6'11" Dallas native played in 384 games for the Heat and finishes among the franchise leaders in free throw percentage (3rd), double-figure scoring efforts (4th), points (5th), scoring average (5th), free throws made (5th) and defensive rebounds (5th).
(Photo credit: Mike Ehrmann)