Chris Bosh is career is in limbo. After failing a physical because of recurring blood clots, the Miami Heat essentially severed ties with him, though he will remain on the roster until they release him. That is expected to happen later this season, surely after Feb. 9, a year after the last time he played, and probably after March 1, so he wouldn't be eligible to play in the postseason.

As long as Miami releases him after Feb. 9, it can seek relief on the rest of his contract -- the Heat owe him $76 million over the next three seasons. If Bosh ever plays 25 games in the NBA after that, though, then the full amount will be back on Miami's books.

All of the above is relevant to the National Basketball Players Association, which reportedly was involved in Bosh's case when he wanted to return last season. The union is monitoring the situation, with an eye on the Heat's plans, according to the South Florida Sun Sentinel's Ira Winderman:

A party familiar with the NBPA's approach on Friday told the Sun Sentinel that the union is examining the situation, while also remaining cognizant of the ongoing medical and privacy issues with Bosh, who failed his preseason physical after missing the second half of the past two seasons due to blood clots.

The union currently is involved in the delicate stages of formulating a new collective-bargaining agreement, with a more proactive stance on Bosh expected to be taken should the distancing of the Heat with Bosh continue to a point where Bosh could possibly resume his career, the party familiar with the situation told the Sun Sentinel.

Chris Bosh arrives at a game
Chris Bosh's career is in limbo. USATSI

Bosh, 32, still wants to play. Given the serious nature of his medical problem, though, it is unclear whether any team would take a chance on him. The NBPA has to try to support him, but Miami has been definitive that it will not change its position. There isn't a mechanism whereby the franchise can be forced to waive him before March.

Perhaps the best role for the players association here is to help Bosh and the Heat communicate. That relationship is obviously strained, and Bosh dropped his agent, Henry Thomas, last month.

Even if they start talking, it's hard to see how the two sides would meet in the middle. There's no reason for Miami to work out a buyout with Bosh when it can just let his contract come off the books via medical retirement, and if the Heat aren't going to play or release him, they can't do much for Bosh. Everybody involved is in a tricky, sad and uncomfortable position.