The NBA trade deadline is coming up and Suns guard Goran Dragic is considered to be a top target and teams like the LA Lakers, Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, New York Knicks and Sacramento Kings could be interested in making a deal and this comes as the star could sign a deal in free agency, as he is set to be an unrestricted free agent if he declines his option.
Dragic has been mentioned as a potential target at the trade deadline since last summer, as the Suns signed both Isaiah Thomas and Eric Bledsoe to deals. Bledsoe was an expected move, as the team had him when he became a restricted free agent, while Thomas was a surprise for some. Marc Stein at ESPN.com wrote that Thomas likely was insurance in case Bledsoe left and also if Dragic decided to leave in the summer of 2015.
The Suns know that Dragic likely will get some strong contract offers and they will look at trading him if they feel they can't re-sign him. According to Pro Basketball Talk and Real GM, Dragic is a prime target at the deadline for the Rockets and the Lakers, with both teams interested in signing Dragic if they acquire him. The report says that the Lakers will look at making a trade for Dragic in the hopes of offering him a max contract for next season.
Dragic has been a main target for the Lakers and if they bring him in now, it could help with the team signing him long term. Dragic is coming off of a most improved player award and he is leading the Suns in scoring while having a strong season in Phoenix. With Rajon Rondo likely limiting his options after the trade to Dallas, Dragic becomes the top target for the Lakers next summer. The Rockets are also planning on chasing Dragic in free agency after missing out on the Rondo trade earlier this season.
Dragic was previously with the Rockets and then signed with the Suns in free agency. Dragic has said that he will consider the Rockets despite the fact that they hard balled him the last time he hit the market. The Lakers reportedly will offer Dragic a deal worth $80 million over four years and they are coming into the offseason with a projected $50 million in cap space. The Suns reportedly want a first round pick for Dragic and they also could look at trading Thomas.
The Rockets have long been interesting in upgrading at the point guard position, as they have Patrick Beverley and now could look at Dragic. According to Pro Basketball Talk, the Miami Herald reports that the Heat are also interested in Dragic. Miami has been shopping Norris Cole and could look at trading Mario Chalmers if they make a move for Dragic. The Heat are also interested in Reggie Jackson, who has been shopped by the OKC Thunder this season.
Dragic is going to be a top target on the market and Reggie Jackson also will get attention. Dragic is unrestricted, while Jackson is restricted free agent and teams like the Knicks and Lakers also could go after him. The Thunder are not expected to sign Jackson back as a free agent.