The buyout market has suddenly become a huge part of the NBA calendar over the last few seasons and immediately following the trade deadline, many playoff contenders are looking for that last little bit of talent to set them over the edge in their quest for a title.
Last season, Andre Drummond, Blake Griffin, and LaMarcus Aldridge highlighted the list of players that were bought out from their contracts, and this season, there are still some impactful players that could still be on the move before the March 1 deadline for players to be playoff eligible.
One of those players is Goran Dragic, who was traded from the Toronto Raptors to the San Antonio Spurs ahead of the trade deadline on Thursday.
Before the start of the season, the Raptors acquired Goran Dragic and Precious Achiuwa from the Miami Heat in a sign-and-trade for Kyle Lowry, but the team never had long-term plans to keep Dragic around.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Goran Dragic To Receive Buyout; Mavs Likely Landing Spot
In the final year of his contract and making $19.4 million, not many teams in the league were showing interest in taking on the veteran’s salary. Ultimately, Toronto was able to flip Dragic for Thaddeus Young ahead of the trade deadline, but the San Antonio Spurs now have the same problem the Raptors had of not wanting Goran Dragic on their roster.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Spurs are expected to buy Goran Dragic out of his contract and the veteran guard could receive interest from the Mavericks, Bucks, Bulls, and Clippers.
Now 35-years-old, Dragic is nearing the end of the line in his career but has still proven over the last few seasons to be an impactful player. With the Heat during the 2019-20 season, Goran Dragic was instrumental in helping the Heat reach the NBA Finals in the 2020 NBA Bubble.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Goran Dragic To Receive Buyout; Mavs Likely Landing Spot
Since the 2017-18 season, a year in which he was an All-Star, Goran Dragic has averaged 15.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists and has shot 36.5% from three-point range, making him an impactful secondary talent for many teams in this league.
Should Goran Dragic be bought out from his contract in San Antonio as many around the league are anticipating happening, Dragic should consider the following three teams in the buyout market.
