The NBA offseason is heading towards the fall and this year, Goran Dragic could be a top trade target at the deadline with the Phoenix Suns as a fit for the Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, NY Knicks or Philadelphia 76ers and this comes as the Suns have signed Isaiah Thomas as a free agent and they also drafted Tyler Ennis in the first round in 2014, which could lead to Dragic getting traded.
The Indiana Pacers have been mentioned as options for Dragic and this comes as the Suns are trying to sign back Eric Bledsoe as a restricted free agent. According to ESPN.com, writer Marc Stein wrote earlier in the offseason that the Pacers would like to trade for Dragic if they could, as he would be an upgrade over George Hill at point guard. The team initially shopped Roy Hibbert, but this came before the Paul George injury and that may have changed things drastically for the Pacers for now.
The Rockets once had Dragic and could be an option, but they appear content for now with their point guard situation. The Rockets were mentioned by Stein as a potential option for Rajon Rondo, but that likely would come at the trade deadline this year if at all. Dragic is an interesting option, as he has a contract option coming up and could be a free agent. The Lakers reportedly are looking at signing him and the Eric Bledsoe situation also could play a part in things.
Bledsoe and the Suns are reportedly still at odds over a contract, as he is looking for a five year max and the team has offered four years. Bledsoe has missed time over the past two seasons and while he played well with Dragic, who was named most improved player of the year, the Suns have backed themselves up with Thomas and Ennis. The Lakers reportedly will go after Bledsoe and Dragic if they hit the market together next season and that could happen if Bledsoe signs the one year qualifying offer over a long term deal.
Pro Basketball Talk also is reporting that the Suns are trying to keep Dragic by targeting his brother Zoran, who is playing with him for Slovenia in the FIBA World Cup. Pro Basketball Talk reports that sources have said that the Suns are among a group of teams approaching Zoran and that includes the Pacers, which could mean the team is targeting Goran as well. Zoran has played well for the team has is averaging 16 points and shooting a high percentage in Spain for the tournament.
The Suns would love to get the Dragic brothers, as that would give them a solid backcourt and likely a chance to keep Dragic next year. The Pacers could be in the mix as well and if they sign Zoran without Goran, they will definitely be mentioned as a destination for the Suns PG. The Suns have the chance to once again be a surprise team in the west and this comes after they won 48 games last season and nearly made the playoffs as the eighth seed.