The Miami Heat should hold onto guard Goran Dragic

Miami Heat fans may be dying for a trade, but it’s in the team’s best interest to keep Goran Dragic around.

NBA fans are notorious for loving a chaotic offseason.

Top free agent signings, blockbuster trades, players re-committing to their teams… the more hectic the summer, the better.

But perhaps no fanbase is as dissatisfied with status quo, as Miami Heat supporters.

And in a way, it makes sense.

After being spoiled with everything that The Big Three era had to offer, it’s easy to see why Heat Nation isn’t sold on the organization’s current trajectory. It’s one thing to hit a rough patch after losing the league’s greatest player, but it’s another completely to still seemingly be in a transition period four years later.

So naturally, when the franchise does little else but bring back a journeyman in Wayne Ellington on a one-year deal, fans will jump at any chance for change come the 2018-19 season.

Even if it’s a terrible idea.

Recently, Goran Dragic’s name came up as a possible trade target, causing excitement throughout Heat Twitter.

According to John Gambadoro of ArizonaSports.com, the guard is available in trade talks, spurring the idea that perhaps the Heat are engaging in a deal with the Phoenix Suns. Immediately people turned to ESPN‘s trusty Trade Machine, giving the 32-year-old away for the likes of Tyson Chandler, Brandon Knight and future draft picks.

(Some even have Tyler Johnson being shipped off with him.)

But moving Dragic isn’t at all in the team’s best interest.

Like a fine wine

Many are arguing that because of his age, his decline is soon to come. So Miami would be better off trading him now, before that happens, to get a better return.

A theory that might hold up if he didn’t have one of the best runs of his career last year.

Besides having averaged 17.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.8 assists a game, shooting 45.0 percent from the field and 37.0 percent from downtown, Dragic was named as an All-Star for the first time.

(After earning Eastern Conference Player of the Week, twice.)

This was coming off having led Slovenia to a title in EuroBasket last summer too.

There’s also the fact that while the Heat are clearly embracing a youth movement behind guys like Bam Adebayo, Josh Richardson and Justise Winslow, they still need veteran leadership and experience.

And seeing as the 10-year pro-baller was named co-captain last season, it’s clear management believes he brings exactly that and more to the table. Something that becomes that much more important if Udonis Haslem and/or Dwyane Wade do end up deciding to retire soon.

It’s all chemistry

Now obviously, there’s still room for improvement on this roster.

So if Jimmy Butler really is disgruntled with the Minnesota Timberwolves, or Kyrie Irving finally wants to live out his dream of living in South Florida, there’s no question that president Pat Riley should hear any and all offers.

But to move the team’s most reliable player for personnel who may never end up fitting The Culture?

That’s illogical, at best.

Between head coach Erik Spoelstra needing to balance never-ending injuries and working Adebayo and Kelly Olynyk into already established rotations, this group worked hard all year to develop into a well-oiled machine.

Too hard to let a newbie come in and destroy the bonds that have been built.

With Dion Waiters ready for a comeback and Hassan Whiteside putting last season’s troubles behind him, Miami is ready to prove the league wrong and show that success doesn’t only come from superteams.

(Insert gif of James Johnson posterizing Stephen Curry.)

So while a quiet offseason may have Heat Nation itching for action, not every trade idea should be applauded.

The Miami Heat should say no to letting go of Goran Dragic.