With the moratorium on free agency lifted Thursday morning, the Miami Heat officially re-signed Goran Dragic to a reported five-year, $85 million deal. That figure is $5-$10 million more than originally reported.
It was reported relatively early in the free agency period that Dragic had agreed to sign with the Heat, something that was a major priority for Pat Riley and the organization after trading a pair of future first round picks to the Phoenix Suns to land the All-Star point guard.
“When we traded for Goran last season, we knew he was the type of player and person that we wanted to be part of our Heat culture,” said team president Pat Riley in his statement. “His pace, ability and vision for the game is the perfect complement to lead our team as we look to bring another championship to Miami. We are pleased he has re-signed and will wear the Heat uniform for years to come and make Miami his home.”
Dragic expressed his eagerness to start the season with the Heat during Thursday’s press conference to announce the signing.
“I’m really happy to be here. It really was an easy decision for me,” Dragic said. “I see in this organization that everybody has your back and that means a lot.”
“Now the real work starts. We need to satisfy the fans and front office. I’m really looking forward to that challenge,” Dragic said. “I’m going to give everything I have to try and win a Championship.”
Dragic immediately helped the Heat improve their pace after he was acquired and inserted into the starting lineup by nearly two possessions per game. He found a nice chemistry with fellow guard Dwyane Wade in the backcourt, who will also re-sign with the team on a one-year, $20 million deal.
“Don’t let his looks fool you, he is as fierce as any point guard in the league. Those are the qualities we like about Goran,” said head coach Erik Spoelstra.
Dragic, and his brother Zoran, was acquired by the Heat in February via a three-way trade involving the Suns and the New Orleans Pelicans in which Miami sent Norris Cole, Justin Hamilton and Shawne Williams to the Hornets, while the Suns received Danny Granger and a pair of future first-round picks.
All quotes acquired via MiamiHeat.com