As expected, Goran Dragic has officially opted out and will become a free agent this summer, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports. Dragic allowed his opt in deadline to pass, which means he will become a free agent when the period officially begins on July 1.
Agent confirms to Sun Sentinel that Goran Dragic will become free agent July 1. Heat hoping for rapid resolution. http://t.co/Zb1vf7ztuX
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) June 22, 2015
Dragic had an option for $7.5 million this upcoming season, but will seek more money after outplaying his deal. He is believed to be seeking close to max money on a long-term deal. The Heat are expected to offer him in excess of $80 million over the maximum five seasons.
The Heat acquired Dragic from the Phoenix Suns at the trade deadline for a pair of future first round picks in a three-way trade that saw Norris Cole, Danny Granger, Justin Hamilton and Shawne Williams traded away. Dragic came to Miami with his brother, Zoran.
The Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks are expected to make a run at Dragic, but the Heat were on his short list of teams as the deadline (as were the former two) and it seems as if he and Pat Riley want to continue the relationship after half a season.
The Heat are the only team that can offer the additional fifth year on a contract. The maximum deal would be $115 million over five years, compared to the four-year, $85 million deal the Lakers and Knicks could offer. That results in a difference of $30 million on the back end of a potential maximum contract.
How Dwyane Wade Impacts Dragic’s Free Agency
The question is, do the Heat want to pay him the max? If they would rather pay something closer to $80 million, or, about $16 million per season as opposed to the maximum $20.1 for next season (and escalating amounts thereafter), Dragic could test the market and see if the Knicks and Lakers are willing to pay more per year.
The Heat still have the potential free agencies of Dwyane Wade and Luol Deng to think about, as well as a possible max deal to Hassan Whiteside next summer. Chris Bosh signed a five-year max deal last summer.
It seems most likely that the Heat and Dragic have an understanding to come to terms, since they came to terms at the trade deadline knowing this was the next bridge to cross, however, Wade’s situation could potentially muddy up this process. That said, Heat fans have reason to be optimistic.