The Phoenix Suns will attempt to part ways with star guard Goran Dragic before today’s trade deadline. The decision comes after Dragic’s representatives informed the Suns that the pending free agent does not want to re-sign with the team in the summer.
The fact that Phoenix is in contention for a playoff spot in the Western Conference clearly isn’t enough incentive for them to let Dragic walk away for free – especially considering how far the Suns actually are from being a true championship contender at this point. It’s no surprise that Dragic no longer wants to share a backcourt with Eric Bledsoe and Isaiah Thomas, and don’t forget the team also used a first-round pick on guard Tyler Ennis. At the end of the day, the team has nobody to blame but themselves for not taking care of this situation sooner. There are a number of teams that are interested in landing the 28-year-old with a couple of big market teams near the top of the list. Here is where he’s likely to end up either today or in the summer.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers are reportedly at the front of the line trying to make a move for Dragic and it will be interesting to see what kind of price they would be willing to pay to get their man. Los Angeles is arguably the most likely suitor since they have the assets, including draft picks, and would reportedly be on the short list of teams in the mix that Dragic would consider signing a long-term deal with.
The Lakers are looking for immediate help and it won’t shock anybody if they attempt to push the pace on their rebuilding process in order to dramatically improve their projected starting five for next season. Los Angeles is desperate to acquire a star point guard and after missing out on Rajon Rondo this would make for an excellent alternative move. The only question is whether they want to give up assets that could help build their team in the future knowing that they have a pretty good chance to sign him in the summer.
New York Knicks
The Knicks might not have the same assets available as the Lakers but they have definitely expressed their interest in getting a deal done. And the Knicks were on the list of preferred destinations that Dragic gave Suns management. The fact that Dragic would reportedly be willing to sign a long-term deal with New York makes a potential move a real possibility. It’s even more interesting now to look back at the Knicks trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers and think about what could have been as J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert undoubtedly could have been among the potential pieces included in a package for Dragic. New York has an obvious need at the position and would love to add Dragic but it could ultimately come down to what they are able to offer Phoenix and right now, it doesn’t look like they have much.
Houston Rockets
The wild card in this trade picture is the Houston Rockets. They are a contender that is rumored to be very interested in acquiring the services of Dragic as they are aiming for a potential championship run. Houston certainly has the assets to trade for Dragic and he would be an obvious fit at the point on a team that already features James Harden and Dwight Howard.
However, reports have indicated Dragic has privately expressed that he has little interest in signing a long-term deal with the Rockets and that could keep them from making the move. Part of the problem could be the fact that the Rockets once had Dragic, didn’t give him much playing time and didn’t believe in him enough to hold on to him. They let him walk as a free agent to Phoenix after the 2012 season.
Houston has the best assets and the deal might work out if they can accept that he’s just a rental. If it brings them closer to a championship, that’s likely a price General Manager Daryl Morey will pay.
