NBA Trade Rumors 2013: Charlotte Bobcats To Trade Al Jefferson, Draft Picks For Miami Heat’s Chris Bosh?

The Charlotte Bobcats are reportedly brewing a big time trade that would certainly shake up the Eastern Conference next season. According to latest rumors, the 'Cats will include recently-acquired center Al Jefferson in a package to the Miami Heat in exchange for All-Star center Chris Bosh.

Looking to end three consecutive losing seasons, the Bobcats seemed ready to make a splash next year with a possible deal between them and the defending champion Heat.

Bosh, who could opt out of his contract at the end of next season, has been the target of the Michael Jordan-owned franchise since the free agency period began.

The former Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets standout averaged 16.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game in another All-Star season and was instrumental piece in the Heat's back-to-back championships.

NBA insider Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe first broke the rumors of the Bobcats' interest in Bosh last summer, though this potential move toned down a bit after the Bobcats signed Jefferson to a three-year, $41 million deal.    

"The Charlotte Bobcats are looking to make a splash this summer and are open to trading their first-round pick in a package for an All-Star-caliber player. There are rumors the Heat will be looking to deal Chris Bosh, and the Bobcats, who are under the salary cap and could accept Bosh's near-maximum deal, could be a prime candidate.

"As much as Charlotte would love to build through the draft, team officials understand they have to start winning and need a player to be the face of the franchise. Bosh could serve that purpose," Washburn stated in his article. 

However, the rumors re-surfaced again following reports of the Bobcats' desire to get the All-Star big man at all cost. According to rumors, the Bobcats are willing to send Jefferson and draft picks to Heat in exchange for Bosh.

The Bobcats' interest in Bosh really makes sense given that the Heat forward is just 29 years old and can still transform a mediocre ballclub into a playoff contender. Meanwhile, the Heat could address their need for a solid post-up threat by acquiring Jefferson, who averaged 17.8 points and 9.2 rebounds last season with the Jazz.

Playing with another seven-footer in Cody Zeller will allow Bosh to play again at power forward, the position he had the most success at during the early part of his career with the Toronto Raptors.

Then again, the chances of this trade happening will entirely depend on the performance of both squads in the first half of the season. If the Bobcats eventually find success with Jefferson as the man in the middle and the Heat still get good numbers from Bosh, then there's no reason for this trade to take place. For now, it remains a rumor.