Goran Dragic, one of the most sought after guards as the NBA trade deadline loomed last Thursday, was part of a blockbuster deal that saw him pack his bags as he traveled from the Phoenix Suns to become a member of the Miami Heat.
But his stay in Miami may be short-lived, according to a report from the Los Angeles Daily News .
“A person familiar with Dragic’s thinking said he ‘loves the opportunity’ to join the Lakers and sees them as a ‘perfect fit’ when he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer. But the Heat can sign Dragic a five-year deal worth up to $100 million, while other teams can offer up to a four-year deal worth $80 million.”
As an unrestricted free agent this offseason, Dragic will certainly be fielding a lot of offers from teams looking for star point guard or two guard. Prior to being part of a three-team trade deal that also involved the New Orleans Pelicans, teams also coveting Dragic’s ball skills included the Houston Rockets and Boston Celtics.
Since entering the NBA in 2008, Goran Dragic has been a journeyman of sorts. Originally drafted by the San Antonio Spurs, only to have his draft rights traded to the Phoenix Suns, Dragic has seen his turnover-to-assist ratio decrease as his points per game increased between the 2011-2012 and 2013-2014 seasons. During that time frame, Dragic went from the Suns to the Houston Rockets organization and then back to the Suns as an unrestricted free agent.
Over 52 games this season, Dragic has averaged 16.2 points and 4.1 assists while shooting 50.1 percent from the field.
The news of Goran Dragic possibly wearing the purple and gold for Los Angeles next year is intriguing, but the report came prior to the point guard making his debut with the Miami Heat and word of Chris Bosh’s season-ending injury .
“Chris Bosh will miss the remainder of the 2014-15 Season, while being treated for blood clots on his lung.
“Bosh, who is receiving care under the guidance of Miami HEAT team physicians at a Baptist Health System Hospital, is currently resting comfortably. Chris is OK and his prognosis is good.”
Goran Dragic made his debut with Miami in a losing effort against the New Orleans Pelicans. Dragic went 4-11 from the field, 3-6 from the charity stripe, and finished the game with 12 points, three rebounds, and one assist. Pelicans star power forward Anthony Davis made an early exit after suffering an injury nine minutes into the first quarter.
[Image courtesy of Pro Basketball Talk ]
