Miami Heat Rumors: Is Chris Bosh Retirement Final?

Persistent rumors have repeatedly cropped up concerning Chris Bosh's purported looming retirement amid news of ongoing health issues. Finally, some of Bosh's associates have finally revealed of the Heat player's plan in the future.

Since February 9, Bosh hasn't been seen on the hardcourt to play of the Heat following the recurrence of blood clotting in his leg. Since Miami has finally reached the playoffs, there have mounting questions over his participation in the 2015-16 playoffs and possibly the finals.

Despite his illness, Bosh has been on the Heat's sidelines in the past few weeks including his first appearance on the team's bench in Miami's matchup with Charlotte. This indicates that retirement is certainly not an option for Bosh. While he makes repeated attempts to be in the game, Heat doesn't allow him to do so as the top brass is keen on speeding up his health recovery.

"Bosh has indicated to associates that he has no plans to retire at this time and intends to play next season for the Heat...Bosh, eager to return, has sought opinions from multiple doctors about whether it was safe to come off the blood thinners in order to resume playing this season. But most of the doctors consulted believed Bosh should continue taking the blood thinners for several months, which is...ultimately the course Bosh took," Miami Herald reported.

The Miami-based news outfit further stated, "The Heat did not consider allowing Bosh to play while taking blood thinners, because it's highly risky to play a contact sport while doing so."

If Miami Herald's report proves accurate, then there are good reasons to believe that Bosh is unlikely let go of lucrative years ahead of playing for the NBA.

"The Heat still owe Bosh nearly $76 million over the next three NBA seasons, giving him every incentive to try to make it back on the court. His salary is also completely guaranteed, whether he ever appears in another game or not. The Heat could certainly pursue a buyout, but that point in the timeline hasn't arrived yet," wrote Ryan Devault of the Inquistr.

Meanwhile, veteran player Dwayne Wade acknowledges that he is taking on a more expanded role in leading Miami to a good playoff finish at a shot at this season's championship now that Chris Bosh is off the scene due to health reasons.

"This is our first time in the playoffs," Wade said. "We've looked amazing at [times] and at other times not so amazing. The [young guys] are going to look at you to lead in situations, to help them believe, to give them their confidence in moments where you don't have it. That's a big responsibility I have," Dave Hyde of Sun Sentinel reported.