Miami Heat 1-on-1: Time to trade Goran Dragic, before he declines?
By Ivan Mora
With all that said though, do you think the Heat should try and move him this summer?
Mora: Absolutely not.
Despite the obvious call most NBA fans will throw Miami’s way, clearly making their case for obtaining a young asset for a declining value, I think they’re wrong.
Dragic is still a tough and gritty guard who will definitely give it his best when called upon. With the exception of Wade and Haslem, he is the team’s oldest player (in terms of years with the Heat) and in ways the most valuable in that position too.
He is a veteran and has to provide experience and leadership to the next group of young athletes that are trying to co-exist with this roster. Many are disregarding and ignoring the team’s young talent and it’s up to the veterans like Dragic to build up that stored confidence this young team has.
Miami definitely needs to make some moves this offseason but trading Dragic shouldn’t be one of them. He needs to retire with the Heat. He’s a Heat Lifer now.
Tachauer: That’ll be a hard no from me.
As much as it makes my ears bleed when I hear people advocate for moving Dragic, I get it. His last two years in Miami have more than proven his worth as an elite point guard, so the front office would surely be able to sell him for a great return.
However, that doesn’t mean they should.
The 32-year-old may not be able to average 17 points plus forever, but he’ll still be a great role model and shoulder to lean on for his teammates. Dragic has an incredible work ethic and an extremely high basketball IQ, traits that will be far more valuable than points per game once the team’s younger core reaches their ceiling.
President Pat Riley may have recently stated that no one on the current roster is untouchable when it comes to this offseason, but Dragic should be. He deserves to retire with the Heat.