Goran Dragic: Fifth Year From Miami Heat Would Be ‘Pretty Big’
Although the Miami Heat’s 2014-2015 season did not exactly go as planned, throughout all of the bad news there was one apparent light at the end of the tunnel: Goran Dragic. And while dreams of a postseason may be down the drain, there is still plenty to do during the offseason in order to ensure that the team’s beacon of hope, well, remains shining.
The Heat acquired Dragic at the NBA trade deadline, after he stated he no longer wished to remain with the Phoenix Suns. Though there had been rumors brewing that he could possibly make his way to South Beach, many questioned the reality of such a situation. However, in the end, president Pat Riley did what he does best, and managed to land the coveted guard.
And now he will have to work his magic all over again.
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At least to the public, Riley seems confident that Dragic will resign with Miami. The good news is, Dragic too has come forward and spoke positively of a possible contract, in part because only the Heat can offer him a five-year maximum contract.
"“It’s pretty big,” Dragic was quoted, of securing such a deal. “Because every player wants to sign as long as he can. Of course, my goal is to stay in that spot that I’m going to sign… But I think that the most important thing is the team, who is around me, what kind of style. Because, first of all, I want to be happy, happy to play that style of basketball that I want to play. And I think that’s the main thing for now, not the money.”"
As in most contract negations, money is in actuality the deciding factor, but there is something to be said about getting along with the organization, team, etc. as well. It is no secret that Dragic and the Suns’ front office did not see eye to eye, ultimately causing him to walk away.
With Chris Bosh making a full recovery, and the rest of the team staying healthy too, Miami is in a good position to have a successful next season. This should be a solid selling point in terms of resigning Dragic, especially given how much better the team would be with him on it. Although Dragic saw limited time with the Heat (both because of his late arrival as well as minor issues like back spasms), he already proved to have great chemistry with teammate Dwyane Wade.
There has been talk of the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks showing interest in Dragic as well, so fingers crossed that both he and Riley can work together in finding a solution that pleases both parties.