National Basketball Association

Pat Riley says Chris Bosh's career with Heat is 'probably over'

Published Nov. 15, 2016 3:03 p.m. ET

Kerouac Smith

The contentious relationship between Chris Bosh and the Miami Heat is likely over after a failed physical last week, according to team president Pat Riley.

Asked if the team was actively working toward getting Bosh back on the floor, Riley told reporters Monday:

"We are not. I think Chris is still open-minded. But we are not working toward his return.

"We feel that, based on the last exam, that his Heat career is probably over."

Bosh missed a good chunk of each of the past two seasons dealing with blood clots, but has maintained he is now healthy and ready to contribute.

The team's medical staff has refused to clear him, dating back to the end of last season.

Riley compared the situation to Magic Johnson's HIV announcement and subsequent retirement 25 years ago.

"Dealing with Magic Johnson and what he went through ... it's not easy to be with a player for six years and watch him play and watch him accomplish what he's accomplished. I can't imagine what he's going through."

Bosh famously joined the Heat six years ago along with LeBron James to form a super team with Dwyane Wade. The trio made the NBA Finals all four years, winning two titles.

Now, with James back in Cleveland and Wade moved on to the Chicago Bulls, it appears the Big Three era is essentially a footnote.

If Bosh fails to land with another team (and fails to be cleared medically by an NBA specialist), the Heat will receive salary relief on Feb. 9, 2017.