The NBA trade deadline is just over a month away and Goran Dragic is expected to be a top target for teams, as the LA Lakers, NY Knicks, Houston Rockets and Sacramento Kings have all shown some interest in the point guard, as he is heading towards free agency for the Phoenix Suns and both Los Angeles and New York are expected to chase him if he becomes a free agent.
Dragic is considered by many to be the top trade target now that Rajon Rondo has been moved, as he is a young point guard and is blossoming just as he is hitting the market. According to Pro Basketball Talk, Dragic will have suitors like the Lakers and the Rockets if he makes it to free agency, as both teams were interested in trading for Rondo. Dragic also said that he would be open to listening to the NY Knicks if they came calling next summer and they likely will, as they should have a ton of money to spend on the cap.
The Suns ideally would like to keep Dragic, but with the team already signing both Isaiah Thomas and Eric Bledsoe long term, he could be the odd man out. Marc Stein at ESPN.com wrote that many believed the Suns signed Thomas to a four year deal worth over $25 million in the offseason as insurance in case they lost Bledsoe in restricted free agency, but he thinks that it was for another reason. Stein wrote that the Suns may have viewed Thomas as insurance for Dragic, as he is expected to be targeted hard in the summer of 2015.
The Suns may use that leverage now to try and pull off a deal at the trading deadline, as they also have Tyler Ennis as a young point guard option to develop. Dragic has a player option for just over $7 million next season, but no one expects him to stay on that deal. Dragic can make very good money on the market after the way he has performed the last couple years, as he is coming in after winning most improved player last season. Dragic is leading the team in scoring with 16 points per game and he is the best option among free agent point guards next summer.
Sean Deveney of Sporting News writes that the Knicks will have money to spend, while the Lakers also have a clear cap with about $35 million set for next season already. The Rockets just added Josh Smith and they have a number of players hitting free agency next summer, including starting point guard Patrick Beverley. Losing Beverley could open the Rockets up for Dragic, as they have an interest in signing him after he previously was with the team for a stint.
The Suns are 18-14 this season after winning 48 games last year as one of the most surprising teams in the league and they are looking to make a playoff run this season. The team is ranked fifth in scoring and their three headed monster of Dragic, Thomas and Bledsoe have played well together. Ideally the team could move one of those players for draft picks without losing too much right now and it could be Dragic as the one that moves.