The Miami Heat made a surprise run to the NBA Finals and a critical element to their success was the contributions that Goran Dragic provided. It will be a priority to retain him this offseason in free agency.
According to the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson, an Eastern Conference executive explained to him he expects the Miami Heat and Goran Dragic to ‘quickly’ come to a deal— worth within the $20 million range with an option for the second season.
I would expect the Heat and Dragic to quickly come to a deal that would pay him in that $20 million range, with a potential team option for a second year. He earned $19.2 million last season. Both sides want to strike a deal quickly.
The primary objective for the Heat is clear— preserve as much cap space as possible for next NBA offseason’s crop of elite free agents. Miami holds a belief that signing a talent like Giannis Antetokounmpo is a genuine possibility and what’s to have the cap space to get it done.
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In order to maintain substantial cap space for next NBA offseason, the Heat must get creative with how they work new contracts. Providing extra compensation for the upcoming season while having an option for the second season appears to be a mutually beneficial outcome for Dragic.
If the Miami Heat end up getting a team-friendly deal done with Goran Dragic in NBA free agency, there won’t be a whole lot the team has to get done this offseason. Jae Crowder is also a free agent but the starting point guard role takes precedent.
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