Report: Indiana Pacers Interested In Goran Dragic, Possibly Rajon Rondo
The Indiana Pacers have contacted the Phoenix Suns about Goran Dragic, who earned third-team All-NBA this season and had a breakout campaign as the NBA’s Most Improved Player, ESPN’s Marc Stein reports. A deal has yet to be agreed upon yet, but Larry Bird is certainly looking to roll the dice.
Lance Stephenson just turned down the Pacers’ five-year, $44 million offer this week as a free agent. If Indiana were to acquire Dragic, who only has a $7 million contract, it would have to be in a sign-and-trade. Their books are filled by Paul George, George Hill, Roy Hibbert, and David West, so maybe the Pacers might angle Stephenson as trade bait? Stein also followed up with this intel afterwards,
Whispers are already out there, @ZachLowe_NBA, about Indy trying to pull in Boston to construct some sort of multi-team deal involving Rondo
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 3, 2014
I like the way Bird is thinking in terms of pursuing an upgrade at point guard. George Hill has been solid for the Pacers, but frankly, they need a dynamic option at the position that can create steady and threatening offense if we’re talking about them actually having a chance against the likes of the Miami Heat. Dragic and Rondo are ideal candidates for that job.
Phoenix has to decide whether or not it’s worth it to split up the duo of Dragic and Eric Bledsoe in the back court. My guess is they would need an offer equally worthwhile.
