Lakers Rumors: Goran Dragic To Be Pursued At Trade Deadline, In Free Agency
By Jacob Rude
Today’s Lakers rumors are surrounded around the likelihood of the team pursuing Goran Dragic both at the trade deadline and in free agency, where he appears to be atop their target list.
The Lakers and Suns have been linked all season due to the Lakers attempt to hold onto their draft pick, one which is conveyed to the Suns if it falls outside the top five. However, the two sides also appeared to be linked in the trade market as the Lakers reportedly have high interest in Suns guard Goran Dragic. The Lakers are expected to pursue him at the trade deadline and, if they do not land them, will be looking to offer him a max contract of $80 million over four years this summer.
"The Los Angeles Lakers, who have also coveted Dragic for some time, are likewise presumed to be intent on testing the Suns’ resolve when it comes to their Slovenian point guard, since sources say L.A. plans to chase Dragic with an expected max four-year contract offer this summer valued at an estimated $80 million."
The Lakers are obviously focusing on the top free agents this summer with massive improvements to the team needed. The Lakers have been reportedly interested in Dragic for quite a while, but this appears to be their most serious interest.
With room for a max contract, Dragic could be their choice to use their cap space on. If so, he’d be a massive upgrade over anything the Lakers have a point guard this year with rookie Jordan Clarkson still learning and back-up Jeremy Lin suffering through a disappointing season.
If the Lakers do go after Dragic at the trade deadline, it’d likely require a first-round pick. The Lakers have an extra pick from Houston they received in the Jeremy Lin trade that brought him to L.A. However, the team runs the risk of falling outside the top five of the draft by landing Dragic, who would dramatically improve the roster, meaning they would essentially be giving the Suns two first-round picks for Dragic. On top of that, Dragic could leave during free agency as well, setting up a high-risk situation.
Do you think the Lakers should trade for Dragic? Should they pursue him in free agency? Let us know down below!
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