Goran Dragic, playing near his All-NBA level of 2014, was a key reason Miami made a run all the way to the NBA Finals. His frustration at being sidelined on that big stage by torn plantar fascia was obvious.
While he wants to return to Miami and make another run at a ring, Dragic told Shams Charania of The Athletic he planned to test the free agent market.
Miami is expected to offer Dragic a big one-year contract, probably north of $15 million a season. The Heat want Dragic back but also wants to keep their cap space open for the 2021 offseason. That could open the door for a team in need of a point guard, such as the Los Angeles Clippers, to come in and offer their full $9.3 million mid-level exception for three or four years. That would give Dragic more guaranteed money and stability over a few years.
Ultimately Dragic will have to make a choice. It will be about money but also fit with his family, playing time, and the ability to chase a ring. The conventional wisdom is Dragic chooses to stay with the heat, but anything is possible.
