Phoenix Suns point guard compendium: 15 potential trade targets
Goran Dragic
2018-19 stat line: 30.7 MPG, 16.3 PPG, 4.7 APG, 3.3 RPG, 1.3 SPG, .416/.323/.760 shooting
Pros:
- (Re)Enter the Dragon
- Gives the Suns an above-average point guard for the next year and a half
- Would make for a fun, crafty, fan favorite backcourt with Booker
- Solid scorer, passer and 3-point shooter
- Proven track record playing with other ball-dominant guards
- Familiarity (and success) with head coach Igor Kokoskov from Team Slovenia
Cons:
- Dragic’s inflated contract lasts for another year
- Shooting numbers are down this year
- At 32 years old, he’s not the long-term solution
- Currently dealing with a knee injury
A possible trade:
Breakdown:
Honestly, this might be a better option than many are willing to admit. Goran Dragic‘s relationship with the franchise has been a bit rocky over the last few years, but by and large, he’s still a fan favorite in the Valley and his tenure here was the last time the Suns had a winning, enjoyable season since Steve Nash left.
It’s not just nostalgia or good vibes that make this an underrated short-term fit though. The Miami Heat are a train wreck right now, with a 7-13 record and a ton of bad long-term contracts that are hard to move. Dragic is one of their better players, but moving his contract — and maybe someone like James Johnson — would help them clear out some cap space.
It’s obvious Dragic isn’t the Dragon anymore. He’s 32, currently dealing with knee soreness and has an overpriced $19.2 million player option for next season that he’s sure to opt into. His shooting splits have taken a downturn and the Heat would try to attach some sort of ugly contract.
However, if Miami accepted this hypothetical deal, taking on Trevor Ariza’s expiring and the last year of Ryan Anderson‘s contract in 2019-20 to get rid of the remaining year of Dragic and next two years of Johnson, that would address Phoenix’s two biggest positions of need.
Johnson is just coming back from injury and was fairly disappointing last year, but he’s still a respected veteran who’s something of a Swiss army knife with his ability to play multiple positions and playmake within Kokoskov’s offense. Dragic would add a capable playmaker, scorer and shooter who’s accustomed to playing for this organization and alongside other ball-dominant guards.
Having him for two years instead of just one is less than ideal, but some stability at the point is desperately needed, Dragic is a likable and familiar face, and the Heat have to be pondering moves of some sort. Don’t write this one off.