Goran Dragic
Age: 30
Contract: Signed a five-year, $86 million in 2015, with a player option in 2019.
2016-17 Relevant Stats: 19 PTS, 3.9 REB, 6.4 AST, 0.9 STL, 0.2 BLK
Pat Riley and the Miami Heat are going to have to eventually accept the direction the team is going and verbally commit to the dreaded “R” word: rebuild.
They already have a number of exciting young prospects like Justise Winslow, Tyler Johnson and Josh Richardson. Not to mention their franchise cornerstone–if he can keep his head on straight–Hassan Whiteside, who signed a huge deal to stay in Miami this past summer.
The Heat should be looking to acquire assets to complement their young players by offloading some of their veterans. Namely, Goran Dragic, who arguably has the highest trade value on the team by anyone not named Hassan Whiteside. It affects the team.
Both parties are reportedly interested in a trade, according to Chris Mannix of The Vertical:
"Dragic is a dilemma. When Dragic forced a trade to Miami two years ago, he thought he was joining a team one piece away — him — from being a conference contender. Today he’s leading a roster that’s a couple of losses from falling below Philadelphia in the East basement. Dragic is open to a trade, league sources told The Vertical, and Miami has pursued that option."
Dragic later denied that he was open to a trade, calling it “bullsh–,” but that doesn’t mean the organization still isn’t trying to find him a new home. If that’s the case, Los Angeles should make an offer.
Dragic might not be the same crafty young point guard he was in Phoenix, but he’s still really good. He is one of the few players this season averaging at least 19 points and 6 assists per game, alongside names like LeBron James, Steph Curry, Russell Westbrook and James Harden.
His combination of speed, playmaking and shooting paired with Russell’s similar skillset would give the Lakers one of the more dynamic backcourts in the NBA. In order to pull this deal off, LA could send a package including Lou Williams, Nick Young and Jose Calderon and a pair of second rounders for Dragic and Josh McRoberts.
Miami would get a pair of expiring contracts, a solid veteran scorer on a dirt cheap contract and a pair of picks. With their current record (12-30), they’ll have a chance to replace Dragic with a top-two pick in a guard heavy draft. Can you imagine Lonzo Ball, Justise Winslow and Hassan Whiteside leading Miami back to the glory days? I can.
This trade would also require Jordan Clarkson and Dragic to make amends, which shouldn’t be too hard. Luke heals all.