Goran Dragic has opted out into free agency and this summer the Miami Heat are preparing to offer the point guard a max contract and this comes as teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, NY Knicks, Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans could target the free agent if he thinks about leaving South Beach following his trade from the Phoenix Suns.
Dragic is one of the top free agents on the market this summer and the team was expecting the guard to use his opt out this year. Dragic had a player option and he likely now is in line to get a max contract after his strong play over the last two seasons. According to Pro Basketball Talk, Miami initially is going to offer Dragic the five year max, but at around "$80 million," per sources close to the team. The Miami Herald reports that Dragic's "camp" is expecting the "proposal to be five years for between $90 million and $100 million."
Dragic said earlier in the season that he liked playing in Miami and wanted to stay and he also added that the fifth year will have a bearing on his decision. Barry Jackson at the Herald reports that the Heat and Dragic "remain optimistic" that a deal will get done this summer. Dragic is considered to be the top point guard on the market and Miami has a number of concerns along with signing him back. The team has Dwyane Wade looking for a new deal, while Luol Deng could also opt out of his contract. Deng has expressed interest in staying in Miami and the team also has to keep in mind that Hassan Whiteside will be due a contract next summer.
All of that could factor into how Miami handles the Dragic situation, but right now it appears that he is likely going to stay with the team. Dragic will be chased by teams like the Lakers and Knicks, as they have money to burn, but that fifth year could put Miami over the top. Dragic has put a lot of weight on the max, as other teams can only offer four years and about $80 million in any deal. Dragic said near the end of the season that he would like to spend the next "three, four, five years" with "this kind of team, like the Miami Heat."
While that is not guarantee that Dragic will stay, it does put Miami in a favorable spot coming into negotiations. The team is taking a hard line with Dwyane Wade heading into the summer, but there is a chance the two sides agree on how to move forward before free agency begins. Wade reportedly wants a three year deal with Miami at around $20 million per season, while the Heat are looking to sign him at around $35 million for three years, according to the Miami Herald.
The Knicks and Lakers are going to go after Dragic, but if he stays in Miami, Rajon Rondo could be the next best option. Rondo is reportedly interested in signing a one year deal to help bring his value back up after a rough stretch with the Mavericks. The Lakers and Knicks have money to spend and they will have even more to dole out if they don't pay up for Dragic.
