Report: Heat fear team doctors will never be able to clear Bosh

Chris Bosh failed to receive medical clearance from the Miami Heat to return for the team's playoff run, and now there's a risk the 11-time All-Star might not ever return to the court.

There is reported fear within the organization that Bosh's condition will prevent him from ever being cleared to play again by team doctors and could force him into medical retirement, several sources have told Brian Windhorst of ESPN.

Bosh has been sidelined since the All-Star break due to a medical condition that is believed to be blood clots.

There has been friction between Bosh and the organization earlier this month as he was eager to return but could not receive the proper clearance from the medical team. The two sides eventually came to an agreement, and the team announced on May 4 that Bosh would not play again this season.

The Heat have already had two seasons derailed by Bosh's recurring medical issues and the team needs to protect not only the player, but themselves, should he be unable to play.

Windhorst notes that, according to league rules, if Bosh does not play again by Feb. 9, 2017, an independent doctor approved by the Heat and the player's union can review his case and give a recommendation to the league. If the doctor believes Bosh isn't healthy enough to return to the court, the Heat can take his contract off their books for salary cap purposes.

Bosh is owed $75 million over the next three years and would receive all of that money should he not be able to play, though Windhorst reports the Heat would recoup some through insurance.