NBA Trade Rumors: Goran Dragić’s Future With Miami Heat Not as Straightforward as It Looks

Goran Dragić was a key figure in the Miami Heat‘s 2020 Playoff run. He led the Heat in scoring during the Playoffs with 19.1 points per game. While players like Butler, Adebayo, and Herro stole the headlines, Dragić was an unsung hero for the Heat’s offense.

Dragić will be an unrestricted free agent this off-season. At 34, he will consider his options going into the league this season. With Heat president Pat Riley hoping to build another super-team with the young core he has, Dragić’s future is in doubt.

A veteran point guard with 12 seasons of experience in the NBA, Dragić would bring great experience to any franchise. Based on the season he has had, he could be due for his last big contract.

With the Heat attempting to save cap-space for Milwaukee Bucks‘ Giannis Antetokounmpo in the following year’s off-season, they will be frugal with their dealings

Goran Dragić staying in South Beach?

Recently, reports have emerged that while both the Heat and Dragić want to continue his stay in South Beach, the main priority for the Heat is flexibility. Additionally, a number of NBA teams are interested in the Slovenian.

The most likely outcome in this situation would be Dragić being offered a short-term contract with the Heat. This would allow them to retain their valuable cap space for the 2021 free-agent class. And because of his experience, he would be eligible for a trade exception in his contract.

Dragić recently spoke to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel. When asked about his main priority in free agency, he said “I want to be happy…..I’m at that stage of my career where it’s not only about me. It’s about my family, my kids, my wife. I do have to admit, I’m really happy…We don’t know what the future holds with this virus and everything and when the league is going to start….There’s still a lot of uncertainly in the future.”

Dragić’s future with the Heat will be one of the more interesting stories coming out of the off-season.

Where should Dragić end up this off-season? Is a short-term contract his best option with the Heat?