Miami Heat: Jimmy Butler talks about his goodbye to Goran Dragic
By Jack Simone
Signing Kyle Lowry was a great addition to the Miami Heat roster. It should catapult them into title contention right away if everything goes according to plan.
Miami got an All-Star caliber point guard, but it came at an unfortunate cost. After seven seasons and one All-Star appearance with the Heat, Goran Dragic will be leaving South Beach.
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The Dragon was consistently a fan favorite and gave his all for the organization. He was also one of the best teammates on the roster.
Jimmy Butler recently spoke out about his relationship with Dragic. They were clearly very close and it’s not going to be an easy transition to make with Dragic playing in Toronto this year.
At his latest press conference, Butler made sure to talk about Dragic a little bit. He mentioned that they always talk a lot over the summer, but this time it wasn’t as happy of a phone call.
"“We’re always on FaceTime in the summer. And that was the hardest FaceTime I’ve ever had to do.”"
Butler also joked that he would “force a switch” onto Dragic the first chance he got. That will surely be a fun matchup to watch the first time they face off.
As mentioned, Dragic spent the past seven years of his career in Miami and even made his one and only All-Star game with the Heat. He has been a great leader for the organization.
He also played a huge role in Miami’s championship run in 2020. He averaged 19.1 points per game in those playoffs and was their second-leading scorer behind only Butler.
Dragic was a part of the sign-and-trade that brought Lowry to Miami and saw him and Precious Achiuwa sent to Toronto. The deal was reported on the first day of free agency.
When rumors of the sign-and-trade first began to surface, many were under the impression that Toronto would work on a buyout with Dragic. However, that does not actually seem to be the case.
Bobby Webster, the general manager of the Raptors, commented on this idea recently. He stated that they are super excited to have Dragic in Toronto and want him to remain a part of the team.
"“We entertained [a trade], and we were up front with Goran and his representatives. So I think it’s very transparent,” Webster said. “But we liked him from the start. Obviously, if we got an offer that was too good to refuse, we’d listen, but ultimately we want Goran here. I think he’s happy to be here. . . . I think as a basketball player, and as a vet, he provides a lot of value for us.”"
Though it is sad to see Dragic go, adding Lowry was too good of an opportunity to pass up. The Dragon has one year left on his deal before he can become an unrestricted free agent.
The first time Dragic returns to FTX Arena, he will surely be met with nothing but love. Miami Heat fans should treat him as well as he treated the city.
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Who knows, maybe there will be a reunion next offseason when Dragic enters free agency. Until then, however, Goran Dragic will no longer be playing in a Miami Heat uniform.