Goran Dragic has always been a terrific playmaker, top-15 point guard in the NBA at best, but his recent exploit at the 2017 EuroBasket is certainly worth noticing. Dragic racked up 26 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds in Slovenia’s close win over Latvia 103-97 in the quarterfinals of Europe’s top-tier tournament. The Miami Heat guard is averaging 21.9 points and 5.1 assists in seven games, making him one of the favorites to bag the MVP award at the end of the tourney.
Rising Trade Value
Dragic’s explosive play at EuroBasket bodes well for the Heat heading to training camp later this month.
The Slovenian guard is coming off his best statistical season, as he posted 20.3 points on 47 FG shooting and 40 percent from 3-point territory. He’s expected to improve his numbers this coming season, with the Heat unable to land any of the top free-agent agents this summer. Together with center Hassan Whiteside and budding guard Dion Waiters, Dragic faces the daunting task of leading Miami back to the playoffs.
On the other hand, the Heat could explore trade options for Dragic while he’s hot. Miami reportedly made several attempts to find a taker for the guard last season, but the market wasn’t as robust as it is now. Miami had difficulty convincing teams to absorb the player’s contract worth $54 million over three years.
Dragic can extend his contract through 2020, but could exercise his player’s option for the fifth year of his deal worth $19 million.
Landing Spots
Teams looking for significant upgrade on their backcourt could find Dragic interesting. The Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks, and Indiana Pacers are just few teams that might actually make a run at the Slovenian if given the opportunity.
Orlando still can’t find the point guard of the future at this point with top prospect Elfrid Payton struggling with his shooting. Indiana is licking their wounds after losing not only Paul George but also starting point guard Jeff Teague this offseason.
The Bucks, meanwhile, made a serious bid to acquire superstar guard Kyrie Irving, but their trade package of Khris Middleton, Malcolm Brogdon and a first-round pick paled in comparison to the Celtics’ trade offer.
Boston wound up as the winning bidder in the Irving sweepstakes after offering Cavs All-Star Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, the Brooklyn Nets’ first-round pick and a complementary second-rounder to sweeten the pot.
Dragic turned 31 last May and may have 2 to 3 years left in his prime. He’s still capable of becoming the starting playmaker for any title contender, which Miami is currently not. Expect the Heat to shop the guard in weeks leading up to the trade deadline in February, especially if they don’t have a winning record by that time.
