Goran Dragic says that his hope is to re-sign with the Miami Heat, despite still wanting to explore free agency.
Goran Dragic landed in one of his preferred destinations around the trade deadline last month. Phoenix sent him to a playoff contending team in Miami, and with Chris Bosh healthy, Dragic has an experienced and talented surrounding cast.
Dragic still seems interested in what free agency has to offer this summer, and apparently is still interested in hearing what the Lakers have to offer. But all things considered, Dragic still hopes to re-sign a long-term deal with the Miami Heat.
Via Jared Zwerling of Bleacher Report:
I’m going to stay in the hotel until the end of the season, and then we’re going to see how the team is going to develop. I just want to be focused on trying to help the team as much as possible get to the playoffs. But at the end of the season, of course I’m going to think about that option of staying. I’m really hoping to stay in Miami because I really like it, but you never know. I’m a free agent, so I’m going to explore my options.
“You never know”, “I’m a free agent”, and “I’m going to explore my options” leads one to believe that Dragic is not yet fully decided on the matter.
It’s obviously important to note that Miami can offer Dragic more potential money long term than any other team. Dragic is expected to decline his $7.5 million player option. His top options as a free agent this summer would likely fall between the Lakers or Knicks, but the most likely and lucrative outcome would keep Dragic in Miami.