The NBA trade deadline is Thursday and names like Goran Dragic, Reggie Jackson and Brook Lopez have come up as the biggest names that could move, as teams like the For Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Sacramento Kings and Boston Celtics could be interested in making trades heading into the second stretch of the season.
The Suns met with point guard Goran Dragic this week and he informed the team that he is not signing an extension in Phoenix. The Suns have Dragic along with Isaiah Thomas and Eric Bledsoe and could move him ahead of his free agency this summer, as they are not going to be able to sign him back. The team could take a risk and hope they get him back in free agency, but they may not want to take the chance that he will leave for nothing.
USA Today first reported the news about Dragic not signing with the Suns and now he has informed the team that is he is traded, he prefers the Lakers, Miami Heat or Knicks. The Suns wanted at least a first round pick last week for Dragic and it's likely that has not changed. The Knicks roster does not have much that the Suns would want, while the Lakers may trade for Dragic in the hopes of signing him this summer.
According to Marc Stein at ESPN, the Lakers are planning to try and sign Dragic this summer, as they will offer him a four year deal worth $80 million. Dragic is the top option on the market, as Rajon Rondo was already traded and most of the big names are staying put. Dragic has been playing very well this season and while his numbers have dipped a bit, it's partially due to the three guard set of the Suns. Last season he averaged 20 points and won most improved player with career highs across the board and now he is averaging 16 points and four assists per game.
Jackson is another target to watch, as the Miami Heat are interested in trading for him along with the Denver Nuggets. The Thunder have been taking offers on Jackson, as he is playing behind Russell Westbrook and wants to start one day. Jackson is also heading towards restricted free agent and likely will not be signed back by the Thunder. Since the trade for Dion Waiters, Jackson has not gotten as much playing time and now he could be moved at the deadline. Lopez is being shopped by the Nets and he also is a main target for teams, including the Miami Heat and the Thunder.
According to Pro Basketball Talk and Ken Berger at CBS Sports, "multiple teams" have already contacted the Suns about Dragic and that could set the stage for a trade at the deadline. While Dragic has been a target, Berger notes that he is the one they would like to keep the most among Bledsoe and Thomas and that could open things up for other deals. The Houston Rockets are considered to be a top option, as Dragic previously was with the team and they are interested in upgrading at point guard after missing on the Rajon Rondo trade.