Miami Heat send Chris Bosh to...NBA on TNT

Feb. 23 (UPI) -- One NBA player was dealt Thursday, but it wasn't to another team.

Chris Bosh moved from the Miami Heat to a television network. Bosh will be part of the NBA on TNT, according to the network's Twitter account.

The Heat forward will be a studio analyst for five consecutive Mondays, beginning next week. Bosh remains unlikely to return to the court this season for the Heat, despite remaining under contract. This news nearly confirms that he won't return to the hardwood anytime soon.

TNT's Players Only franchise includes appearances by the 11-time All-Star, beginning at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 27. Chris Webber, Isiah Thomas, and Baron Davis will also provide commentary from Turner Studios in Atlanta. Kevin Garnett will appear in segments for Area 21 as a TNT analyst.

"We're thrilled to have Chris make appearances with our Players Only studio team and we look forward to incorporating his fresh take and informed perspective into this new TNT series," said Craig Barry, Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer, Turner Sports. "Chris is still deeply connected with today's NBA players and his insights into the game will further enhance the experience for our viewers."

Brent Barry, Derek Fisher, Grant Hill, Greg Anthony, Kevin McHale, Richard Hamilton, Lisa Leslie, and Dennis Scott will also make appearances.

The Heat has maintained it is not "working toward" Bosh's return to the Heat, meaning his career with the team is over. Bosh was diagnosed with a blood clot in his lung that ended his 2014-2015 season. He was also not cleared to participate this season. He is under contract with the Heat through 2019.

As Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports, Bosh's new commitment "precludes the possibility" of him appearing in 25 games this season. That number of games is significant because if the Heat apply to remove Bosh's salary-cap hit, his wages would "revert to the Heat if he hits that 25-game threshold" in any of his remaining three contract years, according to Winderman.

Bosh, 32, is due $23.7 million this season, $25.2 million next season, and $26.8 million in 2018. The 13-year NBA veteran averaged 19.1 points and 7.4 rebounds in his last 53 games for the Heat.