Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic has been through quite the roller coaster ride this season. While he was a member of the Phoenix Suns, he grew tired of the team and the direction they were going. So, going along with his wishes, they traded him away.
Dragic’s arrival in Miami also marked a departure of one player for the remainder of the season. The loss of Chris Bosh would prove to be detrimental to any postseason plans the Heat had and now they’re going to be watching the playoffs from home.
It appears Dragic’s wild year isn’t done yet though. During his exit interviews today, Dragic announced he will be opting out of his final deal with the Heat.
Following from Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Dragic confirms he will opt out, head into free agency.
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) April 17, 2015
Goran Dragic said he is leaning toward no playing internationally this offseason due to free agency, his wife's pregnancy.
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) April 17, 2015
Dragic, on his free agency, "Every offer, we're going to go through."
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) April 17, 2015
Dragic, "I like this organization, this basketball style."
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) April 17, 2015
Well, this puts Miami in a tough yet good spot. They will be able to give Dragic the max deal this offseason, if they choose to do so. That comes with a cost but a temporary one.
For Miami, getting Dragic to stay with the team on a max deal would be just fine for the future. A max contract this summer becomes a ‘market max’ in 2016 after the salary cap increases. Getting a guy like Dragic, who has great playmaking and scoring ability along with his confidence to score in the paint, makes him valuable. If you can get him at a ‘market’ price in the future but have it count against your team just for one year, you definitely do that.
It might concern the Heat fans that teams like the Los Angeles Lakers will be looking in Dragic’s direction for his services but all signs point to Dragic taking his talents back to south beach.
