CAN - Bosh seals new Raptors contract

TORONTO (NBA) - Team USA international Chris Bosh has agreed to a multi-year contract with the Toronto Raptors.

Terms of the contract were not disclosed, but The Toronto Star reported Friday that the deal is for three years with a player option for a fourth, and could pay the 6ft 10in Bosh up to $64 million.

According to the report, Bosh will earn nearly $13 million in the 2007-08 season, the first year of the deal. He will receive $45 million over the three guaranteed years and have the option on a $19 million salary for the final year.

"Signing Chris Bosh to this contract extension was the top priority of this off-season and it solidifies our plans to make him the cornerstone of this franchise," Raptors general manager Colangelo said.

"This is a wonderful day for the organisation and I'm just happy to be a part of it."

Bosh is due to leave for Las Vegas in the next few days to join a Team USA training camp ahead of the FIBA World Championship. He is on the 23-man provisional roster for the tournament.

Bosh becomes the third high-profile player from the 2003 draft class to choose the shorter contract over the more conventional five-year maximum deal available to players entering their fourth season.

Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James and Dwyane Wade of the NBA champion Miami Heat both inked three-year deals with a player option.

The fourth star from the 2003 class, Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony opted for the five-year maximum extension worth approximately $80 million.

While Bosh, James and Wade are leaving in excess of $20 million on the table, the trio is banking on the ability to cash in long term once their shorter deals expire.

Bosh, 22, should have no trouble getting paid in the future. The All-Star forward averaged 22.5 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists last season, shooting 50.5% from the field and 81.6% from the foul line - each of those stats a career high.

The fourth overall pick in 2003, Bosh has averaged 16.8 points and 8.5 rebounds in 226 career games with the Raptors.

"I'm looking forward to the future," Bosh said. "I think the future for this franchise is very positive."

Bosh also took the time Friday to make a $1 million donation to local charities.

"As exemplified in his $1 million charitable commitment today, Chris is a special young man, both on and off the basketball court," Colangelo said. "We are blessed to have him as part of this organisation and community."

PA Sport