Miami Heat #2 trade chip: Goran Dragic
Goran Dragic is still a quality NBA player. Despite his large contract, he would still be able to contribute winning numbers on whatever team he lands on.
The 35-year-old point guard has a $19.4 million team option this summer. If the Miami Heat decided to pick up the option, he could be used as a trade chip.
This would be a hefty contract for any team to take on. However, it would allow the Miami Heat to match salaries if they wanted to go after a big-name target such as Damian Lillard or Ben Simmons.
Even if he doesn’t end up being included in a big trade package, he still has value on his own. Despite his age, he would still be able to help some contending teams around the league.
Last year, Dragic averaged 13.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists. He shot 43.2% from the field and 37.3% from three-point range.
Two teams that could show interest in him this summer are the Lakers and Mavericks. Both are looking to win now and could use some extra depth at point guard.
The Lakers have to either pay Dennis Schroder or find a new point guard this offseason. Trading for Dragic would give them a short-term replacement who would only be on the books for one season.
As for the Mavericks, Dragic would be able to team up with fellow Slovenian Luka Doncic. With new management in place, Dallas will likely try to do everything possible to make Doncic happy and put him in a position to win.