The Goran Dragic trade situation is complex, with many teams pursuing him, sources revealing details about his plans almost hourly and Suns owner Robert Sarver reportedly trying to block any trades.
Several teams pitch their Goran Dragic trades to the Suns
Here’s where every team interested in Goran Dragic stands at the moment.
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Here is the latest on where teams stand on their chances of landing the Suns' point guard:
The Kings have been mentioned as one possible trade destination for the Slovenian point guard, but with Dragic's camp saying he won't re-sign unless he's traded to the Knicks, Heat or Lakers, their interest is dwindling, according to Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski. It was unclear what the Kings were offering for Dragic but rookie Nik Stauskas was probably included. Losing young talent for a rental when the team is not making the postseason makes no sense, so the Kings apprehension is understandable.
The Celtics were rumored to be interested in Dragic but they are not actively pursuing trades, according to the Boston Herald’s Steve Bulpett. Their hesitance comes from Dragic’s claims he would not re-sign with any team outside the three on his list, claiming that a fifth year, which only a team that has his Bird rights could offer, is not something that would sway him to stay with whoever trades for him.
New York Knicks
The Knicks are one of the teams on Dragic’s list and are interested in trading for him, offering Jose Calderon and Tim Hardaway Jr. in return, according to ESPN’s Chris Broussard. The package is surely not what the Suns are looking for and the Knicks won’t include their 2015 draft pick in a trade for Dragic when they could pursue him in free agency in the offseason. It seems unlikely the Suns accept the offer unless they can’t find a better one.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers are interested Dragic and are one of the teams he included in his list of preferred destinations, but the talks between the teams failed to gain traction as soon as the Suns reportedly asked the Lakers to remove the top five protection of the 2015 draft pick they were ready to offer. The Lakers will have cap space to chase Dragic in the offseason, have also showed interest in Ty Lawson and were reluctant to include rookie point guard Jordan Clarkson in trade discussions, so the likelihood of Dragic wearing a Lakers' jersey anytime soon is not high.
SB Nation presents: How Michael Kidd-Gilchrist overcame the odds to reach the NBA
Miami Heat
The Heat could use an upgrade at point guard and are offering two first-round picks for Dragic, but since they owe the Cavaliers their next one, the picks they are offering would come in 2019 and 2021. Those draft selections could prove to be valuable, but the Suns probably want a return that helps them in the short term. The Heat's package is probably the best out there right now but it hasn't been enough to make the Suns settle yet.
Houston Rockets
Dragic does not want to play for the Rockets in part because they let him go once and in part because he’d have to share ball-handling duties with James Harden. Nevertheless, the Rockets are staying in touch with Phoenix, according to Wojnarowski. They know a move is unlikely, but are prepared just in case.
See More:
