The Miami Heat officially won the sweepstakes to land Goran Dragic before the trade deadline. With the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks appearing as the frontrunners for the Phoenix Suns point guard, the Heat came through with a last-minute offer that won the team over and gave them a much-needed threat at the position. Getting Dragic certainly helps the Heat in the short-term, but is he destined to stick around in the future?
Dragic wanted a new team immediately and he got it. The Miami Heat gave up four players and two draft picks to land Dragic at the trade deadline. The point guard was unhappy in Phoenix. He made it clear he no longer trusted the front office of the Suns and wanted a move immediately. Dragic had already stated his desire to not re-sign with the team in free agency so Phoenix really had no choice but to make a trade.
"Thank you to my fans, teammates and many friends in Phx!!" Dragic tweeted. "You are what made #cluborange a 2nd home for me and my family! The Suns organization has been good to me and I hope everyone knows I'd never say or do anything to purposely offend or minimize the success we've had. Although my recent words came out harsher than I'd intended, I did feel it was time to find a better fit for me as a bball player who only wants to be the best and help my team in every way. I'm proud of my time in Phx & never want anything to take away from that or the relationship I've built and will continue to build in the community."
Getting Dragic certainly gives the Heat a solid scoring threat after they traded away Norris Cole. As Dwyane Wade continues to deal with injuries, Dragic will be the playmaker the team needs. But what happens in free agency? The trade does not change the fact that his contract is expiring and the Heat already have a lot of money tied into Chris Bosh and Wade for the future. Dragic will be courted by several teams including the Knicks and Lakers who plan on offering max contracts to the point guard. If the Heat cannot do the same, they will have given up a lot to receiver just a little.
