Miami Heat: The case to keep Goran Dragic or let him walk

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 04: Goran Dragic #7 of the Miami Heat in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter at American Airlines Arena on January 04, 2021 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 04: Goran Dragic #7 of the Miami Heat in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter at American Airlines Arena on January 04, 2021 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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Miami Heat
Goran Dragic (7) of the Miami Heat reacts against the Orlando Magic (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Miami Heat accepting the team option

Keeping Dragic on the roster would help maintain the team’s depth. He is the perfect guard to bring off the bench for both scoring and passing needs.

It may be a lot of money tied up into one player, but it also ensures that they keep him around. If they decline his option, he would become an unrestricted free agent.

There could be a bunch of teams willing to overpay for a veteran point guard like Dragic. On top of that, there’s a chance that he wants a change of scenery.

Dragic has spent a long time in Miami. He probably loves the city, but staying in the same place for so long grows old for some people.

As previously mentioned, re-signing him also keeps him happy. If the Miami Heat can keep him happy, maybe he takes a discount to stay with the team past next season.

If they accept his player option for over $19 million, taking a pay-cut next year becomes all the more likely. This way, they keep him around for the long run.

This also helps them free up a bunch of cap space next offseason. This would give the Heat more spending room and keep Dragic on the team.

A ton of superstar players such as Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and James Harden could be free agents next season. The Miami Heat will definitely want to have money to spend.