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Toronto Faces Difficult Decision

You would think that the Toronto Raptors would be happy with the way Chris Bosh has been playing. You see, it?s a bitter sweet kind of thing. The Raptors know that better Bosh plays, the harder it will be to keep him. Bush becomes an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year. Toronto fears that teams will be swarming on him throwing ridiculous amounts of money at him in an attempt to sign him. The Raptors will have the right to match of course, but they are afraid that the offers will be too rich for their blood. After all, Toronto is a small market.

As for Bosh, the kid is an emerging star ? but for Toronto, he may become another great player to have ?played? in Toronto. A source close to the Raptors suggested this week that there was growing concern within the organization that Chris Bosh is not retainable long term. Bosh himself refuses to engage that discussion and professes a commitment to Toronto. The emergence of rookie Charlie Villanueva who also can play the four position, plays a big part in the Raptors decision making process.

There is sentiment around the team and in the media that says the Raptors may have to choose between Bosh and Villanueva, both excel at the 4 spot. Villanueva is eligible for restricted free agency in two years, so there is time for things to shake into form. If Toronto remains a 16% win team, Could Chris be one of the guys traded to help rebuild? That?s what?s been suggested ? especially if it returns a real star caliber player.