Random NBA free-agency update incoming.
Goran Dragic, one of the top prizes of this upcoming summer’s free agency, is still projected to be a hot commodity—specifically for the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers.
From USA Today‘s Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt:
Goran Dragic, the 28-year-old Phoenix Suns point guard, is no youngster, as he’s in his seventh NBA season and has long since established himself as a formidable talent in the NBA. But these past two seasons have elevated his status, and Dragic — who signed a four-year deal worth about $34 million in 2012 and is expected to opt out of the final year this summer — now finds himself on the verge of a payday the likes of which he has never known.
The Houston Rockets, where he had his first breakout season, would love to bring the Slovenian star back for a second go-round, and Rockets general manager Daryl Morey has tried to no avail to land Dragic via trade this season.
The Lakers are also known to be interested in pairing Dragic with Kobe Bryant, but the list of suitors is expected to be long. While Dragic’s production has dipped this season (his scoring dropped from a career-high 20.3 points per game to 16.9; assists are down from 5.9 to 4.1 per game), it’s no secret as to why.
The Suns’ decision to add point guard Isaiah Thomas via free agency last summer and also re-sign Eric Bledsoe made this formula challenging, with Dragic himself pointing out during the Suns’ subpar start that “there’s only one ball and we’re all point guards.” Phoenix (24-18) has figured it out since then, winning 12 of their last 16 games and holding onto the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Still, there’s a strong hope from the many Dragic fans throughout the league that he wants to play for a team in which he has the lead-guard duties all to himself.
Dragic is going to be one of the most interesting free agents. He’s playing on a team overloaded with point guards and his individual numbers are mostly down, a recipe for free-agency flight if there ever was one. His Phoenix Suns are also clinging to eighth place in the Western Conference, barely ahead of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Even if they make the playoffs, a first-round exit at the hands of the Golden State Warriors awaits. And if they don’t make the playoffs, well, there’s little reason for either the Suns or Dragic to keep this marriage going; their current model will have taken them as far as it can.
The Suns could still decide to trade Eric Bledsoe or Isaiah Thomas if they so choose, clearing the way for Dragic’s return. But the competition for his services, assuming he opts out of his contract, is going to be fierce no matter what. In addition to the Rockets and Lakers, you also have to figure teams like the New York Knicks and Miami Heat will come calling.
All of which makes you wonder what kind of contract Dragic will get. He’s going on 29, he plays the league’s deepest position and, again, his numbers are down. Is that really worth a max contract? Even with the salary cap expected to explode in 2016? Probably not. But he’s going to get paid. And his market value should be such that it allows a team like the Knicks or Lakers to fantasize about signing him and another big name.
Figuring out what will actually happen is, of course, impossible. It’s still too early. But if you, like myself from time to time, are a craps-shooting, roulette-rolling man, bet on Dragic leaving Phoenix—unless the Suns breakup their backcourt band early or go on the playoff tear to end all playoff tears.
