Goran Dragic put the Phoenix Suns in a bind when he requested a trade just before the deadline and said he didn't trust the front office anymore. The Suns honored his request by sending him to the Miami Heat, but both Suns general manager Ryan McDonough and team president Lon Babby criticized Dragic (and ostensibly fellow outgoing guard Isaiah Thomas) for his actions in a Friday press conference.
Suns management fires back at Goran Dragic after trade request
General manager Ryan McDonough and team president Lon Babby responded harshly to Goran Dragic’s actions after fulfilling his unexpected trade request.
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
McDonough said the trade that sent Dragic to the Heat in exchange for expiring contracts and two first-round picks was the best move for the team both short-term and long-term. He added that it was done without consideration of Dragic's interests, even though Dragic had reportedly requested to go to one of Miami, New York or Los Angeles.
“I never saw a list ... maybe it was written in vanishing ink,” McDonough said, via Fox Sports 910. “We were going to make the best move for us.”
McDonough followed it up with a comment that could refer to Dragic, Thomas or both: "Sometimes players get a little selfish and worry more about I, My and Me than We, Ours and Us."
Babby also responded harshly to Dragic’s criticisms of the front office.
Suns president Lon Babby took offense to Goran Dragic's comments about not trusting the front office. "Unfair and unwarranted aspersions."
— Paul Coro (@paulcoro) February 20, 2015 Suns president Lon Babby, referring to moves to add Bledsoe and Thomas: "If some of those moves ruffle Goran's feathers, so be it."
— Paul Coro (@paulcoro) February 20, 2015
A separate three-team move brought Brandon Knight to Phoenix to replace Dragic in the rotation. McDonough called him the best player "coming or going" for the Suns in the deal -- it's unclear if he meant just the three-team trade or deadline day as a whole -- and refused to refer to Dragic as the team's best player prior to the trades.
"A lot of people are saying we traded our best player...my response is Eric Bledsoe and Markieff Morris are still here" -- McDonough (!!!)
— Scott Howard (@ScottHoward42) February 20, 2015 It’s possible both were acting at their boss’ behest. Suns owner Robert Sarver reportedly wasn’t pleased with Dragic’s last-minute trade request and tried to block any deals.
SB Nation presents: The three biggest trades at this year’s deadline
Dragic offered an explanation for his actions on Twitter after being traded:
Thank you to my fans, teammates and many friends in Phx!! You are what made #cluborange a 2nd home for me and my family! The Suns
— Goran Dragic (@Goran_Dragic) February 19, 2015 organization has been good to me and I hope everyone knows I'd never say or do anything to purposely offend or minimize the success we've
— Goran Dragic (@Goran_Dragic) February 19, 2015 who only wants to be the best and help my team in every way. I'm proud of my time in Phx & never want anything to take away from that or the
— Goran Dragic (@Goran_Dragic) February 19, 2015 relationship I've built and will continue to build in the community.
— Goran Dragic (@Goran_Dragic) February 19, 2015 The Suns will see Dragic again when they play in Miami on March 2.
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