The NBA trade rumor season is here and with Rajon Rondo traded, Goran Dragic has emerged as the top point guard target and teams like the NY Knicks, LA Lakers, Houston Rockets and Sacramento Kings all could be interested in making a move with the Phoenix Suns, as he is headed into free agency and could sign elsewhere over the summer.
Dragic and Rondo have been talked about as the top point guards set to hit the market next summer and now that Rondo has been traded, the attention is on Dragic. RealGM reported earlier in the season that Dragic would consider his options in free agency, including the Rockets, Lakers and Suns, but that he also would be willing to sign with the Knicks. Pro Basketball Talk writes that Frank Isola of the New York Daily News reported that Dragic would also consider the Knicks, saying that he has great respect for Phil Jackson and what he has done in his career.
Dragic was the most improved player in the league last season and with the way he has played over the past two years, he should have plenty of attention on the market next summer, even if he is not traded. CBS Sports writes that the Phoenix Suns have a bit of a dilemma with Dragic, as there is a good chance that he could sign elsewhere next summer because of the money other teams will be able to spend over the Suns. Phoenix feels confident that they can sign Dragic, but since he is planning to listen to offers in free agency, they may have no choice but to trade him now.
The Suns have a three headed monster at guard with Dragic, Eric Bledsoe and Isaiah Thomas on the roster and they also have Tyler Ennis and Archie Goodwin as bench players. The team signed Thomas in the offseason as a "just in case" for Bledsoe, as he was a restricted free agent, but now he could be backup if Dragic leaves. Thomas signed a four year deal worth about $30 million, while Bledsoe is in on a five year deal worth $70 million. The team may have to move Thomas if they want to sign Dragic long term and that could come to pass, as Dragic has said he would like to stay in Phoenix.
The two teams most likely to go after Dragic in free agency are the Lakers and Rockets, while the Knicks are a close third. The Lakers and Knicks will have money to spend and that means they have the chance to woo Dragic with a big contract. The Rockets had Dragic once before and really could use a point guard upgrade after missing out on Rondo. The Rockets likely see Dragic as a better option anyway, as Rondo is not quite the player he once was after dealing with an ACL injury.
The Suns are 15-14 this season after winning 48 games last year as one of the most surprising teams in the NBA, missing the playoffs by just a game to the Mavs. The Suns looked impressive in wins against the Knicks and the Wizards and if they get a decent deal for Dragic now, there is a good chance they will take it, as they are building towards the future while also trying to win now in the west.
