Goran Dragic still sees Lakers as “perfect fit” in free agency
Even though Goran Dragic landed in one of his preferred destinations at the trade deadline (Miami), it looks like he’s still weighing his options this summer as an unrestricted free agent. Specifically in Los Angeles.
From Mark Medina of the LA Daily News:
The Lakers expressed a “ton” of interest in guard Goran Dragic, according to an NBA source familiar with the situation. But the Lakers “just didn’t have assets,” the league source said. Instead, the Phoenix Suns traded Dragic and his brother, Zoran, to the Miami Heat for Danny Granger, Justin Hamilton and two first-round picks. …
A person familiar with Dragic’s thinking said he “Loves
the opportunity” to join the Lakers and sees them as a “perfect fit” when he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer. But the Heat can sign Dragic a five-year deal worth up to $100 million, while other teams can offer up to a four-year deal worth $80 million.
Here’s what ESPN LA’s Ramona Shelburne tweeted after Miami got Dragic:
The Heat would not have done this trade for Dragic without feeling good that he re-signs this summer. Expectation is he’ll get a 5-year max
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) February 19, 2015
Miami might still have some convincing left to do in order for Dragic to re-sign this summer. Even though they can offer the more lucrative 5-year deal, Los Angeles would offer plenty of surrounding opportunities, including the salary cap boost and new TV broadcast deal for the 2016-17 season.
Dragic is in a similar spot as Rajon Rondo, who was traded to Dallas before his free agency. Like Dragic, Rondo is still a hot target for the Lakers and Kobe Bryant as a free agent this summer.
And like Rondo with the Mavericks, we’ll see how Dragic’s run with the Heat through the rest of the season affects his ultimate decision when the time comes.
