The Miami Heat have made a run to thrust themselves back firmly into the mix of contention in the NBA’s Eastern Conference, but that hasn’t stopped the Heat’s front office from attempting to tinker. From rumors of Orlando Magic All-Star big man, Nikola Vucevic, to the everlasting drama of the Houston Rockets, there has been a ton on the rumor mill to chew on.
There is another situation that has those that follow and/or support the Miami Heat intrigued though. That would be the future of one, Kyle Lowry.
The Miami Heat and Kyle Lowry are a perfect fit, but at the cost of Goran Dragic?
The Miami Heat and Kyle Lowry are a match made in heaven. Where Lowry thrives is where the Heat ask their players to live when it comes to an approach to the game standpoint.
He always competes and even when things from a shots or skillset perspective aren’t going his way, he impacts the game by making what can only be referred to as winning plays. The interest is still real too between the team and player, at least from the Miami Heat’s vantage according to reports.
Specifically, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype notes that “Miami expressed interest in acquiring Raptors six-time All-Star point guard Kyle Lowry and Goran Dragic, Kelly Olynyk and Kendrick Nunn were discussed”. Here’s a bit more of what Scotto had to say on the matter.
"Despite turning 35 at the trade deadline, Lowry has played like an All-Star despite not being selected this season. Lowry is averaging 18 points on 45 percent shooting from the field, 40 percent from downtown, along with 7.2 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game. He’ll be among the top unrestricted free agent point guards this summer and has said he’d like to retire as a Raptor, even if it’s on a one-day contract.Dragic, 34, is a one-year Bird player, which gives him veto power over any trade. If he agrees to be moved and his new team declines his team option, his Bird rights get reduced to non-Bird in his upcoming free agency. His new team would be limited to re-signing him to a starting salary worth 120 percent of his $18 million salary for this season. However, that really isn’t a limitation since that $21.6 million figure would be the most he’s ever earned in a season. If he declines a trade, it could also be because he doesn’t want to join a particular team and wants to remain in Miami."
So, to answer of the question of whether they are or were entertaining a deal that would see Goran Dragic potentially leaving Miami, the answer is yes, according to these reports. It’s not that hard to believe though, especially considering that they almost traded him to Dallas a season or so ago.
Trading Dragic wouldn’t be a smart move for Miami, even for Lowry. Lowry is a better all-around player at this point, however, what Dragic gives you from a performance/chemistry prospective on this particular team is worth keeping him around.
If there is or was some way to get such a deal accomplished without moving The Dragon, absolutely get it done. Trading Goran at this point though just doesn’t seem conducive to continuing to pull the most out of this group of Miami Heat players.