Courtesy: NBC Pro Basketball Talk
The NBA trade deadline is set for Thursday at 3pm ET and there are players around the league on the chopping block as each franchise tries to make moves for their future. One of the biggest names involved in the trade rumors is Goran Dragic.
Though the Phoenix Suns have succeeded with a backcourt led by Dragic and Eric Bledsoe, Dragic has become very vocal about his dissatisfaction playing in Phoenix. Goran has informed the Suns that after this season, he plans to exercise his player option and intends to sign elsewhere. Dragic has publically said that he “does not trust the Suns”, so the Suns risk a lot keeping him just to let him walk this summer as an unrestricted free agent. Now that he has put everything on the table, the Suns’ organization will be looking to move their star guard before the deadline.
During the 2013-14 season, he took home the Most Improved Player Award averaging 20.3PTs, 5.9ASTs, 3.2REBs and 1.4STLs. His numbers have dipped this season only averaging 16.2PTs and 4.1ASTs but he is forced to share the backcourt with two other guards, Eric Bledsoe and Isaiah Thomas, which could be a strong reason for his unhappiness in Phoenix. Regardless, Dragic is a hot commodity and will remain one even if Phoenix doesn’t pull the trigger. This article will examine the top five landing spots for the 28-year old.
5) Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are not rumored to be listed on Dragic’s list of desired destinations, but recently they have emerged as a possible candidate to land the star guard. The Celtics would benefit from Dragic’s style of play. Boston is also a location where Goran can run his fast-pace style of offense. With the recent trade of Rajon Rondo, the Celtics have the money to facilitate a Dragic trade. Another big factor for Dragic to consider is that Boston is one of the few teams that could offer him a big five-year contract in the offseason. The Celtics are also a rebuilding team and could make him the face of their franchise as they continue to build.
4) Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are another team that has been rumored to have a lot of interest in Dragic. This would be a great destination for him, providing a great opportunity for him to compete for an NBA championship. The Rockets are one of the most fast paced and efficient team, adding him to their roster would open up a lot of doors. Houston’s offense would allow him to get back to the aggressive style of offense he was playing during the 2013-14 season. One of the only things hindering Dragic from wanting to join Houston is James Harden because he would be forced to compete with him more than he would like most likely.
3) Miami Heat
It appears that the Miami Heat have made Dragic’s short list of desired destination. Playing in Miami would be a great opportunity for Dragic. Miami’s is currently in need of a guard more than anything and Goran could help make this team play much more efficient basketball. Miami’s guard Norris Cole is on the final year of his contract, Mario Chalmers only has a year left and Shabazz Napier is still on the rookie scale. This would allow Goran to secure himself some money.
2) Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers have also made the list of desired destinations for Goran Dragic. Playing in Los Angeles, under a championship culture and next to Kobe Bryant would help propel Dragic’s career. He would be allowed tons of freedom and provided the support he desires, which he see’s players like Stephen Curry receive in Golden State. Though this is a great landing spot, I believe it is a long shot that the Lakers pull the trigger on getting him.
1) New York Knicks
I believe playing in New York with the Knicks is the best opportunity Dragic could receive. New York is rebuilding could center the backcourt around Dragic, giving him all the freedom and support he needs. Not to mention, the Knicks would have the money to keep him around long-term. This also would be a great landing spot where Dragic could hopefully compete for a championship in the next few years under Phil Jackson’s mentoring. Resigning him would be pricey, but the fact that Dragic has put the Knicks on his list of where he wants to go proves that he is worth the risk, making this a safe bet for both parties.
