Chris Bosh rumors: Could the Washington Wizards pursue Bosh?

Jan 15, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Miami Heat center Chris Bosh (1) reacts to a foul called by referee Bill Spooner (22) against the Washington Wizards in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 114-97. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Miami Heat center Chris Bosh (1) reacts to a foul called by referee Bill Spooner (22) against the Washington Wizards in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 114-97. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Washington Wizards’ collection of veterans and draft picks finally paid off in the 2014-2015 season when they finished with a record 44-38, returned to the postseason and even won a series, taking down the Chicago Bulls in five games before falling to the Indiana Pacers in six games a round later.

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The Wizards have two key free agents – center Marcin Gortat and small forward Trevor Ariza – they would like to re-sign, but they could also being aiming higher.

David Aldridge of NBA.com details how the Wizards could land Miami Heat big man Chris Bosh once they re-sign Gortat.

"The next play would have been to find a taker for forward Martell Webster, due $5.3 million next season. But that has been complicated by Webster’s back surgery last Friday, likely to keep him out three to five months. Washington would certainly have to add a future first-rounder down the road to get someone to take Webster. A hard sell. But not impossible.If the Wizards could pull that off, they’d get down to $46.3 million in commitments, including that new deal for Gortat. And that would give them enough room to offer Bosh the $15 million per season deal he reportedly is seeking. If they can’t clear Webster, the Wiz could double back and try to re-sign Ariza."

Bosh is said to be looking for a contract worth between $15 million and $16 million per season. Bosh averaged 16.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting 51.6% from the floor, 33.9% from beyond the arc and 82.0% from the free throw line last season. In the postseason, he went for 14.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.0 blocks and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 50.7% from the field, 40.5% from three and 75.0% from the charity stripe.