Goran Dragic Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Atlantic Notes: Okoro, Dragic, Dunn, Theis, Celtics

October 16th, 2020 at 7:35pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Lottery prospect Isaac Okoro has received plenty of attention from the Knicks, Ian Begley of SNY TV reports. Okoro’s college coach, Auburn’s Bruce Pearl, said New York’s front office has conducted a number of interviews regarding the 6’6” Okoro, who is ranked No. 7 overall by ESPN. The Knicks own the No. 8 pick.

“They’ve talked to strength coaches, trainers, assistant coaches – they’ve done their homework. And they’ve liked Isaac from the jump,” Pearl said of the Knicks.

We have more from the Atlantic Division:

Goran Dragic, D.J. Augustin and Jeff Teague are some of the veteran free agent options at point guard that the Raptors might pursue, Blake Murphy of The Athletic opines. Combo guard Kris Dunn could be an even more attractive option as a restricted free agent, and De’Anthony Melton could also be a consideration despite his RFA status, Murphy adds.
Daniel Theis was a big part of the Celtics’ rotation during the restart and Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston doesn’t anticipate that anything will change next season. Theis complemented Boston’s stars nicely since he’s solid at screening and defending, Forsberg adds. Boston must guarantee Theis’ $5MM salary prior to next season but that seems like a foregone conclusion.
The Celtics own three first-round picks in the November draft and they’ll be looking to deal, according to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report. Boston simply doesn’t have the roster space to absorb and develop three rookies and if the Celtics can’t trade one or more of those picks, they’ll look into draft-and-stash options.

Heat Rumors: Adebayo, Giannis, Jones, Dragic, Crowder

October 15th, 2020 at 5:00pm CST by Luke Adams

The expectation heading into the 2020 offseason is that the Heat will prefer to wait on a new deal for Bam Adebayo, since signing him to a maximum-salary extension would cut into the team’s available cap room for 2021. Miami could maximize that space by keeping Adebayo’s more modest RFA cap hold on the books for 2021, then eventually going over the cap to re-sign him.

Adebayo could get the same max contract whether he signs it this offseason or waits until 2021, but if he’d rather lock it in sooner rather than later, it might become an awkward situation for the Heat, writes Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald. In Jackson’s view, Miami actually may have had more leverage to ask Adebayo to wait when there was a perception that the team needed another star to become championship contenders. After this year’s Finals appearance, that argument is more tenuous.

The Heat’s plan is to go “all-in” for Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2021 if the Bucks star reaches free agency, per Shams Charania of The Athletic. If Antetokounmpo agrees to an extension with Milwaukee before then, the Heat may not feel as compelled to hold onto their ’21 cap room, which would lessen the need to wait on Adebayo’s next contract.

Here’s more on the Heat:

Unrestricted free agent wing Derrick Jones is expected to receive interest from the Cavaliers, Hornets, and Hawks, among others, sources tell Charania. At just 23 years old, Jones is an unusually young UFA and still has room to develop, which explains why several rebuilding teams will likely kick the tires.
There’s mutual interest in a new deal between Goran Dragic and the Heat, according to Charania, who says the veteran point guard will have multiple suitors.
If the Heat are only willing to offer one-year contracts this offseason, Dragic and Jae Crowder may have to decide whether they prefer to remain in Miami or seek longer-term security, writes Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel. “I’m going to obviously give it thought on both sides — having security and my comfort with this organization,” Crowder told Winderman. “So, hopefully, it all comes together from both sides. And that’s what I really want to do.”
Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald examines how the Heat could theoretically re-sign Dragic and Crowder to lucrative one-year contracts while also adding a quality player with the mid-level exception — and staying out of tax territory.

Heat Notes: Dragic, Butler, Offseason Decisions

October 12th, 2020 at 10:33am CST by Luke Adams

Although Heat point guard Goran Dragic was active for Game 6 and was able to play 19 minutes on Sunday, he was limited by his torn left plantar fascia. After the game, he told reporters that the injury – which he suffered in Game 1 of the Finals – won’t require surgery and that it should heal on its own now that he has plenty of time for rest and rehab.

“The one thing I didn’t have (until now) was time,” Dragic told reporters, including Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald (Twitter link).

Dragic will be a free agent this offseason and will be able to sign with any team. However, his comments after the game suggested he’ll be looking to re-sign with the Heat. In a message to fans on Twitter, he said of the Heat, “What we’ve built is something special and we’ll be back!”

Heat star Jimmy Butler, for one, would welcome Dragic back with open arms. Butler said after the game that he wishes he could play with the veteran point guard “forever,” according to Jackson (Twitter link).

Here’s more on the Heat:

Despite making the Finals and getting to within two games of a championship as a No. 5 seed, Butler said on Sunday night that the team fell short of its goals for the season. “I told them that I would win them (a title) and I didn’t hold up my end of the bargain, so that means I got to do it next year,” Butler said, per Nick Friedell of ESPN. “I told Coach Pat (Riley), I told Coach Spo (Erik Spoelstra) I’m here to win one. I didn’t do my job, so moving forward, I got to hold up my end of the bargain.” Butler also reiterated a point he has made in the past, stating after the loss that playing for the Heat is “where I belong.”
While the Heat’s magical Walt Disney World run was cut short a couple wins shy of a title, the team is well-positioned to enjoy more success in the coming years, writes Manny Navarro of The Athletic.
In an Insider-only piece for ESPN.com, Bobby Marks previews the Heat’s upcoming offseason, including the team’s decisions on a possible rookie scale extension for Bam Adebayo and new contracts for veteran free agents Jae Crowder and Dragic.

Goran Dragic Listed As Active For Game 6

October 11th, 2020 at 5:40pm CST by JD Shaw

Heat guard Goran Dragic (foot) is being listed as active for Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Sunday, Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel tweets, adding that the 35-year-old will be available off the bench.

This marks the first time Dragic has been active since suffering a plantar fascia tear in Game 1, leaving the contest in noticeable pain after landing on his foot. The Heat also lost Bam Adebayo during that contest due to a strained neck, though the 23-year-old later made his return to the lineup in Game 4.

It’s still unclear whether Dragic, who’s played a key role with the Heat during the playoffs, will see much action on Sunday. Prior to being injured, he was averaging 19.9 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game in the postseason, taking pressure off Jimmy Butler while offering more ball-handling.

“He wants to be out there with his heart and soul,” coach Erik Spoelstra said, as relayed by Winderman (Twitter link).

With Dragic now active, the Heat will look to tie the NBA Finals and force a potential Game 7 on Tuesday. Lakers star Anthony Davis (heel contusion) is also set to play after previously being listed as probable.

Heat Notes: Adebayo, Offseason, Butler, L2M Report

October 11th, 2020 at 10:58am CST by Arthur Hill

Miami’s surprising postseason success may change the long-term plan for the franchise, writes John Hollinger of The Athletic. The Heat have been focused on maximizing cap room for the free agent class of 2021, but their run to the Finals may alter their thinking, not only regarding free agent such as Goran Dragic and Jae Crowder, but for a possible extension for Bam Adebayo.

Adebayo will be eligible for a maximum extension during the offseason, and the team had been expected to delay a new deal with the 23-year-old until next summer. His cap hold will be just $15MM, preserving enough room to chase an elite free agent. However, Hollinger thinks Adebayo’s All-Star season may make it too risky to let him get to restricted free agency.

Even a “low” max deal that starts at 25% of the cap would take the Heat out of the 2021 free agent sweepstakes. But Hollinger notes that the front office didn’t have cap room when it acquired Jimmy Butler on a max salary last summer and suggests that Pat Riley might pursue a similar strategy next year, hoping the team’s young talent will enable another sign-and-trade for a top free agent.

There’s more on the Heat:

In the same piece, Hollinger offers a suggestion for Miami’s offseason that would allow the team to compete for a title again next year without altering its road map for the future. The Heat are about $45MM below the projected tax line for 2020/21 with a mid-level exception that could be used to add a power forward such as Paul Millsap on a one-year contract with an option. Crowder could be offered a similar deal to stay, while Dragic might get a longer-term contract with manageable yearly salaries. Hollinger adds that with Butler, Dragic and Crowder all age 30 or older, Miami’s focus should be on the present rather than the future.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra believes rebuilding teams should focus on finding a player like Butler, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic. “The draft is coming up in … a month, they should study Jimmy Butler as a two-way player,” Spoelstra told reporters after Friday’s game. “He’s the ultimate competitor, and when you’re facing the ultimate competition, that’s what happens.”
Two controversial calls that benefited the Heat in Game 5 were both deemed correct in the league’s last-two minute report, although two others were missed that proved to be inconsequential, writes Dave McMenamin of ESPN.

Southeast Notes: Hawks, Dragic, Wizards

October 10th, 2020 at 7:22pm CST by Alex Kirschenbaum

The Hawks face a myriad of challenging roster decisions this offseason. In an extensive mailbag, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic addresses several possible options the team could take with its present and future roster. Kirschner suggests that intriguing young players Lonzo Ball, Kelly Oubre, or Derrick White could all be solid options for the team, but wonders how many of them are worth the Hawks’ No. 6 pick in the 2020 draft in compensation.

Kirschner continued to discuss the team’s future in a second mailbag, citing other young role players like De’Anthony Melton and Kris Dunn as solid free agent targets. In the 2020 draft, Kirschner sees guard Tyrese Haliburton and swingman Isaac Okoro as fascinating draft possibilities if the Hawks opt to stick with the sixth pick. Assessing how these various players gel with core Hawks players Trae Young, John Collins, and Kevin Huerter will be key.

There’s more out of the NBA’s Southeast Division:

Goran Dragic, the Heat‘s leading scorer heading into the NBA Finals, has been listed as doubtful to return for Game 6 from the torn left plantar fascia he suffered in Game 1, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald tweets. Dragic is coming off a five-year, $85MM contract he signed with the Heat in 2015, and will be an unrestricted free agent in the coming offseason.
Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington examines several of the best international prospects that could be available to the Wizards with the ninth pick in the 2020 draft. Guards Killian Hayes and Theo Maledon and swingman Deni Avdija comprise Hughes’s top international options.
The Hawks and coach Lloyd Pierce are focusing on honing their on-court communication whenever the 2020/21 season does eventually get underway, according to Sarah K. Spencer of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Forward Cam Reddish, the 2019 No. 10 pick, noted that engaging in dialogue during games was a focus of the team’s recent mini-camp, which ran from September 21 to October 1. “Definitely a key emphasis, we definitely have to talk on the court,” Reddish said.

Goran Dragic To Remain Sidelined For Game 5

October 9th, 2020 at 3:49pm CST by Luke Adams

Heat point guard Goran Dragic won’t play in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Friday night, reports Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link). The news had been expected, as Dragic was previously listed as doubtful.

Game 5 will be the fourth consecutive contest Dragic has missed since suffering a torn left plantar fascia in the first game of the NBA Finals. He acknowledged earlier this week that he was still experiencing a lot of pain and wasn’t sure whether he’d be able to return before the end of the series.

With the Lakers one win away from the title, it’s possible that this was Dragic’s last chance to get back on the court in 2020, but if the Heat can extend the series, he’ll presumably do all he can to play on Sunday.

With Dragic still on the shelf, the Heat will continue to lean heavily on rookies Kendrick Nunn and Tyler Herro.

Nunn has averaged 23.7 minutes per game in the Finals after not playing at all during the Heat’s final three games against Boston. Herro has served as Miami’s de facto starting point guard in place of Dragic since Game 1, logging 38.9 MPG in the last three contests.

Heat Notes: Crowder, Iguodala, Dragic, Adebayo

October 8th, 2020 at 5:00pm CST by Luke Adams

Jae Crowder has only been a member of the Heat for about eight months, but this year’s run to the NBA Finals has helped convince him he’d like to stick around a little longer. The veteran forward told reporters today that he’s interested in re-signing with the club this offseason, according to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald.

“Hopefully we can work something out,” Crowder said. “It’s enjoyable because we’re winning. Last two teams standing. It’s been a great, great organization to be a part of.”

With the Heat looking to maintain cap flexibility for the 2021 free agent class, Jackson says he expects the club to give Crowder a one-year offer that might include a team option for the 2021/22 season.

Here’s more on the Heat:

Rob Mahoney of The Ringer takes a closer look at how the trade-deadline deal that sent Crowder and Andre Iguodala to Miami helped the Heat reshape their roster and unlock the team’s two-way potential.
A report earlier this week suggested that front office executives around the NBA view the Heat as the top destination for the next star player seeking a change of scenery. According to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald, a number of player agents share this view. “I think they are quite compelling to anyone,” veteran agent Bill Neff said. “If I’m (a top free agent), I like the culture, the coach and the organization.”
As expected, injured point guard Goran Dragic remains doubtful to play in Game 5 of the Finals on Friday due to his torn plantar fascia. On a positive note, Bam Adebayo no longer appears on the injury report after playing in Game 4, tweets Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel.

Goran Dragic Listed As Doubtful For Game 5

October 7th, 2020 at 4:57pm CST by Luke Adams

Heat point guard Goran Dragic remains doubtful to return for Game 5 of the NBA Finals, according to the first injury report released for Friday’s game (Twitter link via Malika Andrews of ESPN).

Dragic, who is battling a torn left plantar fascia, participated in pregame warmups on Tuesday to test his foot, but was still in too much pain to play. The veteran acknowledged on Monday that he’s not sure whether or not he’ll be able to return at all during the Finals. Down 3-1, the Heat are facing an elimination game on Friday, so that may represent Dragic’s last chance to take the court.

Assuming Dragic is inactive on Friday, the Heat will continue to lean heavily on rookies Kendrick Nunn and Tyler Herro.

Nunn has averaged 23.7 minutes per game in the Finals after not playing at all during the Heat’s final three games against Boston. Herro has served as Miami’s de facto starting point guard in place of Dragic since Game 1, logging 38.9 MPG in the last three contests.

Bam Adebayo Active For Game 4; Goran Dragic Out

October 6th, 2020 at 6:53pm CST by Luke Adams

6:53pm: Dragic participated in pregame warmups but has been declared out for Game 4, Charania tweets. Adebayo will play, Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press tweets.

4:50pm: Dragic will warm up before Game 4 on Tuesday and see how his foot feels, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link). If Dragic can tolerate the pain, he’ll attempt to play.

3:39pm: Heat big man Bam Adebayo intends to return for Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Tuesday night vs. the Lakers, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (Twitter link). Adebayo has missed the past two games due to a neck strain, but he has made good progress in the last two days, tweets Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press.

Getting Adebayo back in the lineup would be a major boost for a Heat team that has been relying on Meyers Leonard and Kelly Olynyk to man the middle for much of the Finals. Olynyk has averaged 20.5 PPG during the last two games, while Leonard was a +13 in Miami’s Game 3 win, but neither player is the sort of dynamic two-way threat that Adebayo is.

While it sounds as if Adebayo will be back in Miami’s lineup on Tuesday night, there has been no update yet on starting point guard Goran Dragic, who is listed as doubtful due to his torn left plantar fascia and acknowledged on Monday that his chances of playing in Game 4 are low.

I wouldn’t expect Dragic to get the green light to play on Tuesday, and his status for the rest of the series remains up in the air, so the Heat will continue to lean on rookie Kendrick Nunn at the point.