NEW ORLEANS _ The NBA is poised to enact what in essence will be a "Chris Bosh Rule," but the changes will not apply to the Miami Heat's ability to receive salary-cap relief this season for the sidelined forward.
The Sun Sentinel has obtained the term sheet for the new collective-bargaining agreement that has been ratified by NBA owners and is expected to be ratified by players in January. The document spells out procedures that will be put in place starting July 1 for players deemed by teams to be unable to safely participate in NBA games due to health issues.
However, a party familiar with the process said the changes will not apply to actions taken this season. The Heat are expected to apply, after Feb. 9 (the one-year anniversary of Bosh's last game played), for full relief from Bosh's salary-cap hit going forward.
Bosh failed his preseason physical after missing the second half of the past two seasons due to blood clots.
According to the current collective-bargaining agreement, which does not expire until June 30, "Any player who suffers a career-ending injury or illness, and whose contract is terminated by the Team in accordance with the NBA waiver procedure, will be excluded from his Team's Team Salary ... beginning on the first anniversary of the date of the last NBA Regular Season or playoff game in which the player played."
It continues, "The determination of whether a player has suffered a career-ending injury or illness shall be made by a physician selected jointly by the NBA and the Players Association. A player shall be deemed to have suffered a career-ending injury or illness if it is determined that the player has an injury or illness that ... is of such severity that continuing to play professional basketball at an NBA level would subject the player to medically unacceptable risk of suffering a life-threatening or permanently disabling injury or illness."
It is under those guidelines that the Heat are expected to move forward.
According to the new guidelines that would go into effect on July 1, according to the CBA term sheet obtained by the Sun Sentinel, the rules for players in Bosh's situation will be:
_In the case of players with what are deemed as potentially life-threatening injuries, illnesses or health conditions, teams can refer players to the new protocol when so informed by a physician.
_The player in question then would have to sign a medical release to pursue playing recourse.
_Three-physician panels, maintained by the NBA and union, will then rule on the applications.
_Players entered in the protocol cannot practice or play until the panel review is completed and clearance is granted.
_Players cleared to return in such protocol must sign forms showing informed consent and assumption of risk.
_If such a player is cleared to play, a team is not obligated to allow such a player to practice or play, but upon such refusal then must either trade or waive the player, unless the player is in the final year of a contract.
In addition to this season's $23.7 million salary, Bosh is scheduled to earn $25.3 million next season and $26.8 million in 2018-19. No matter the medical finding and the impact on the Heat's salary cap, Bosh is guaranteed of receiving the remainder of his full salary, with insurance already picking up a designated portion.
Heat President Pat Riley essentially cut ties with Bosh in September, after the failed physical, when he said, "We are not working toward his return. We feel that, based on the last exam, that his Heat career is probably over."
Shortly thereafter, in what essentially has stood as his latest public comment on the issue, Bosh said in a video release, "I'm going to try to play basketball. That's just what I've been placed here to do. I've said you always have to fight for the things you really want to do and the thing that you love. So when does that stop?"
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