Heat officially waive Chris Bosh, will retire his No. 1 jersey

Ron Clements

Heat officially waive Chris Bosh, will retire his No. 1 jersey image

In a move that was mere formality, the Heat announced Wednesday they had released Chris Bosh.

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But Heat president Pat Riley also made another announcement that was a bit of a surprise. 

"The number '1' will never be worn by another player and we can't wait to someday hang his jersey in the rafters," Riley said in a statement released Wednesday.

Bosh was an 11-time All-Star and left Toronto after seven seasons to join the Heat in 2010. Alongside Dwyane Wade and LeBron James, Bosh helped the Heat win NBA championships in 2012 and 2013. 

Bosh, 33, played in just 44 games during the 2014-15 season and only 53 games over the 2015-16 season because of blood clots in his lungs. He was not cleared to play last season and his career is likely over. Waiving the 6-11 center frees up about $25 million in salary cap space. 

"Chris changed his life and basketball career when he came to Miami," Riley stated. "And he changed our lives for the better, in a way we never would have imagined, when he joined the Miami Heat. We will forever be indebted to CB for how he changed this team and led us to four trips to the NBA Finals and two NBA Championships."

 

Ron Clements