Goran Dragic would like to return to the Heat, but tells Shams Charania of The Athletic (video link) he plans to listen to other offers when free agency starts Friday.
The veteran point guard was used mainly as a reserve last season, but moved into the starting lineup for the playoffs and played a huge role in helping Miami reach the NBA Finals. He averaged 19.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.4 assists in the postseason, showing he still has some value left at age 34.
“For me, the most important thing is that I be respected because I put a lot of hard work in my game, and I think I play hard,” Dragic told Charania. “So, of course, I know Miami wants to bring me back. I’m hoping we can finish this championship run next season, but I know this is part of the business. It’s a lot of options here and we’ll see. I’m open to all suggestions, and from there on, we’re gonna see which one is the best possibility for me and for my family. So, yeah, Miami’s up there. They were great to me and we’ll see. Hopefully, we can make a deal.”
If Dragic wants to remain with the Heat, he may have to accept a one-year contract. Miami is trying to preserve cap space for next summer’s free agent class and is expected to be in the running for two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo if he becomes available. Dragic earned $19.2MM last season in the final year of a five-year extension.
Also in the interview, Dragic discusses his adjustment to being a sixth man during the season and says he has fully recovered from the plantar fascia tear that sidelined him during the NBA Finals.
Really hope we don’t lose the Dragon.
I’m sure both Miami and Dragic will be on the same page about a giant 1 year contract.
Otherwise, what’s the most the Bucks can offer him? MLE?
Damn would be a huge piece for another team, maybe clippers? I think if offers are too big heat will shift focus as they want flexibility for giannis.
Dallas?
IMO
Lakers can find a way to offer him 3 years 50m
All in
Lakers got Schröder so cross them off
Adding Gragic Lakers have huge improvement
Why not？
IMO
There is no way that good players want to join the Lakers and Heat for 20 million contract pay cut
Dragic should take the one year deal and be part of the squad in case Giannis joins. But I can understand wanting to secure the bag. Dallas would be a good backup plan.
I can see him going to Pelicans only IF they trade Jrue. Dragic would be a nice backup for Morant and Memphis. Good mentor and work ethic. Consummate pro and low baggage.
The Knicks would be better off throwing $$ at Dragic than taking on CP3 or RW. Even if they gave Dragic 20 mm/yr for 2 years, it’s still less than half of what those two guys would earn over the same period, and probably sets up a better transition situation if they get a young PG.
Rockets and Thunder want 8th pick too
Knicks get Dragic for free
Plus, since the Knicks probably won’t be ready for playoff competition yet, they could flip him at the deadline for a decent return. Dragic figures to be a hot commodity come postseason time
Will end up in Miami. The bucks should make a run too would be a great fit their.
No one is offering big money. Heat probably offer one yr 20 mill. He’s not worth a big contract. He’s best as the third guard now. I don’t see him leaving this yr.
at best a 3rd guard? The guy averaged 20ppg and 6ast in the playoffs 3 months ago lol…. there’s a reason the heat could beat anyone with him and looked lost without him.
Mavs…
It should play out like this ……… Goran signs a nice 1-year deal with the HEAT to run it back with Jimmy, Bam & the rest of dem goons.
Then Goran spends his last few years with the MAVS – besides the obvious reason of chemistry with Luke, the MAVS have always been a hotbed for international players.
he’s gonna get 15-20 mill from the Heat… no team can offer him a multi year deal in that range (or even 12 per realistically)… he’s not going anywhere.. and he doesn’t want to. This is a leverage thing.
I hope Pat Riley learned from past situations where he didnt want to pay someone. I would like to see Dragic finish his career here. He took a team friendly deal last time, so offer him a 1 year deal that slightly makes up for that, and hope to sign him to a 3 year deal towards the end of his career next year…