The Miami Heat gave up two first-round picks and Norris Cole to acquire Goran Dragic from the Phoenix Suns at the NBA trade deadline but they will have to give more than that in order to keep him in the fold for the next few seasons.
Dragic is expected to opt out of the player option for one more year on his current contract in order to become an unrestricted free agent. In addition to a long-term contract, it has been reported that he wants the Heat to play at a higher tempo on offense next season if he is to re-sign with them. Miami will do what it can to bring back Dragic but they certainly aren’t the only team in the mix for his services.
Here are his most likely suitors:
Miami Heat
The Heat wouldn’t have given up two first-round picks and Cole if they didn’t believe Dragic would sign with them long term. In addition to a quality talent base, excellent city location and no taxes, there have been reports the team is willing to play at a much higher tempo next season as he’s requested. The 29-year-old point guard has said he wants Miami to play at a faster pace and remember, they can offer him a max deal, which means more money and more years than anyone else. This still appears to be Dragic’s best option as he has no competition for playing time, his brother plays for the team and the roster has ample talent to compete for a playoff spot (and beyond) next season.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers have surfaced as another team reportedly very interested in acquiring Dragic this summer and there is certainly a case to be made that they have an attractive package to offer him. Los Angeles would offer a max deal as well as a chance to play in a major market as one of the potential faces of the franchise. Kobe Bryant is back for at least one more season but after that, it would be Dragic, Julius Randle and whoever the Lakers take with the second-overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft as three core players that take them in to their next phase. If Dragic likes the Hollywood spotlight, Los Angeles could be a draw.
New York Knicks
The Knicks are another team with a package that fills all of the boxes with checkmarks and they are reportedly very interested in signing Dragic as well. New York can offer a max deal to ask Dragic to play in a major market as one of the faces of a franchise that would automatically be considered a legitimate playoff team if they can land him. A starting five that features Dragic, Carmelo Anthony and whoever the Knicks draft with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft will make for an excellent core to begin building around. And the team will still have plenty of money left over to potentially attract more UFA’s.
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks’ desperation to sign a star point guard led to the Rajon Rondo debacle that they will be in a hurry to move past this offseason but their search could come to an end if they are able to ink Dragic to a deal. Dallas has a strong cast in place that includes Dirk Nowitzki, Tyson Chandler and Monta Ellis and if they are somehow able to bring in Dragic, they will significantly boost their stock as contenders in the Western Conference. If Dragic wants to compete for a title next season, Dallas is likely one of his best options.
Sacramento Kings
If there is a dark horse sleeper pick that could potentially land Dragic, it would be Sacramento. They are a team that would offer a max deal and the opportunity to build its offense around Dragic and DeMarcus Cousins. The Kings started the season strong before things went south in a hurry but ownership is committed to building a winner and with some talented pieces in place combined with an intelligent veteran head coach in place in George Karl, there could be just enough in Sacramento to convince Dragic to sign a long term deal. And remember, Dragic wants to play up-tempo and that’s one of Karl’s signatures.
