Miami Heat: 3 players most likely to be traded in 2018-19
By Simon Smith
3. Goran Dragic
Of the three players mentioned, this is by far the most contentious.
By any measurement, Dragic completely epitomises the Heat culture. However, despite earning All-Star selection three years after the franchise dealt away two future first round draft selections to obtain his services, Dragic is by no means untouchable.
Last season, Dragic’s playing time dropped from 33.7 to 31.7 minutes per game, his lowest number since the 2011-12 season. Now 32 years old and with 10 seasons in the league under his belt, it’s safe to assume that the Slovenian’s best days are behind him.
Therefore, with two years and $37.3 million remaining on his current deal, the time may be right for the Heat front office to make the tough call and deal Dragic while his value is still intact.
In terms of prospective trade partners, and following their recent trade activity, the Phoenix Suns are seen as a viable prospect looking for a point guard, as the following tweet from Keith Smith explains:
As Woj noted, Suns are pursuing starting caliber PGs. League sources indicate Phoenix has been talking with teams that have PG depth and is aggressive in making offers. Want to get a deal done before camp opens in a few weeks. Suns are intent on making a playoff push this year.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) August 31, 2018
Of course, such a move would make for a homecoming of sorts for Dragic, who spent the best part of six seasons in two separate stints with the Suns before arriving in Miami.
Aside from the Suns, other likely trade partners could come in the form of potential contenders, such as the San Antonio Spurs and the Minnesota Timberwolves — teams on the precipice who could utilize the spark Dragic would provide in the remaining two years of his deal.