Goran Dragic – Toronto Raptors
Another veteran who could be bought out of his contract this season is Goran Dragic. The Heat sent Dragic to Toronto this past offseason with Precious Achiuwa in the sign-and-trade that landed them Kyle Lowry, but Goran Dragic has only played in 5 games this season for the Raptors and has not played since Nov. 13 against the Pistons.
On November 28, the team announced that Dragic has stepped away from the team due to a “personal matter” and since then, the 35-year-old veteran has posted pictures on his social media accounts of him working out in the gym.
Goran Dragic was a key element to the success of the Miami Heat through the years, but it never appeared that things were going to work out in Toronto.
The Raptors really had no use for Dragic and even after he arrived to the team, they were looking for ways to unload his contract.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Latest Intel Surrounding All 30 NBA Teams Entering Trade Deadline
Potential moves the Raptors make at the trade deadline could wind up influencing how this situation with Dragic plays out. Should Toronto not add another big contract to their roster, they could very well reach a buyout agreement with the former All-Star guard, especially since he is in the final year of his contract and set to make $19.4M this season.
According to Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel, Goran Dragic would prefer to team up with fellow Slovenian star Luka Doncic in Dallas. Both Dragic and Doncic played with one another during this past summer’s Olympics and the two guards worked out together numerous times leading up to the 2021-22 season.
With the Mavericks needing another primary ball-handler and scoring option, Goran Dragic could absolutely be a solid fit for them, but there has been nothing said about the Raptors possibly buying him out of his contract.
In recent days, the Atlanta Hawks have shown a level of interest in trading for Goran Dragic, possibly centered around Danilo Gallinari or Bogdan Bogdanovic. Gallinari does have a relationship with Raptors’ executive Masai Ujiri, which could drive a deal ahead of the deadline on Thursday.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Latest Intel Surrounding All 30 NBA Teams Entering Trade Deadline
If Dragic is to play again this season, it will not be with the Toronto Raptors. Not many teams have shown trade interest in him, which is why he could very well end up as a prime buyout candidate this season.
