Like we have all thought all along Bosh will stand firm and test 2010 Free Agency.

What does this mean for the Raptors??

Well, what it doesn’t mean is we should trade him to avoid a T-Mac style exodus. What it means is that he has put pressure on the Raptors brass to ensure that this roster performs to its potential.

This also means the pressure is on Chris Bosh to perform, sentiments echoed by Raptors G.M Bryan Colangelo in the Toronto Sun

“But, I think it’s something that can be looked at as a positive. Chris is coming into a situation where he has to perform. And if he performs, this team’s probably going to perform, and that means we’re going to have a helluva year.”

We have already stated that we felt that Chris Bosh was ready to explode this season and it is convincing to see that both Coach and G.M are calling for the same type of career season that we have been projecting all along.

Will Chris Bosh leave??

As things stand right now Chris Bosh is staying with the Toronto Raptors. LBJ looks like he may stick around until 2011 and unless Bosh decides to join Miami all signs point toward D-Wade and D. Rose joining forces in Chicago instead of Miami as D-Wade had originally hoped.

Chris Bosh is happy with the direction of the team and is excited for the season, but as we have stated before wins matter to this young man and if we cannot win 45+ games and at least have a competitive first round series, Chris Bosh will likely take long, hard looks at other destinations this summer. Bryan Colangelo has done his part surrounding him with the requisite talent on the offensive side of the ball, so it is now up to team chemistry and crunch time play to decide the fate of the Raptors season and franchise.

What does this mean for Raptors fans??

It means to prepare for the worst, while still expecting the best. There is a 40% chance that Chris Bosh will leave in the off-season, down from about a 60% chance after the last game of the regular season was played last year. All we can do is support Bosh and support the franchise as they endeavour to put a solid season together.

The future of this franchise is going to come down to how well we are able to execute on both sides of the ball in crunch time. The Raptors have never had a problem getting hot, the problem has always been not being able to maintain leads in the 2^nd half. With a new defensive intensity and new playmakers of the offensive end, the onus is on the Raptors perimeter D, as they will only be able to advance in the playoffs if they can find a solution to this problem.

Should We Trade Chris Bosh??

Its times like this I feel like writing a short ‘lol’, but all digressing aside; the simple answer is NO.

There is no reason for us to entertain the idea of trading our franchise player unless he makes it clear, either publicly or behind the scenes that he does not want to be here beyond this season. Chris Bosh is one the top 10 players in the NBA and should never be traded no matter his contractual status. With that being said, if we get a ‘knock your socks off’ deal than we will make a move, but only if it makes sense for the long-term.

We are a playoff team, and playoff success will likely keep Chris Bosh in town.

Let’s just hope we solve our 4^th quarter issues….fast.

How Do You Feel About this News?? What Do You Think We Should Do??