The Washington Wizards reportedly are interested in trading for Miami Heat guard Norris Cole. Miami, meanwhile, is believed to be one of the preferred trade destinations of Phoenix Suns guard Goran Dragic.
Cole is arguably Miami's best available asset. After reportedly coming close to being traded to the Detroit Pistons, Cole may still be on the move yet. This time to a division rival, according to Shams Charania of RealGM.
"The Washington Wizards have pursued Miami guard Norris Cole, but Heat's price has been difficult to match, league sources tell RealGM," Charania tweeted Wednesday.
It's unclear what the price tag for Cole is, though. According to MMLive, the Detroit deal fell through when the Pistons refused to take back the contract of Heat veteran Danny Granger, who's due $2.2 million next season.
A report from CSN Washington indicated the Wizards, who're purportedly searching for a backup point guard, would be willing - at least in theory - to trade a first-round draft pick for backcourt playmaker off the bench. No trade targets were mentioned by name in the report, however.
As for Dragic, Miami reportedly is on his short list of preferred destinations. Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reported Wednesday Dragic would consider re-signing with Miami if he were traded there.
"After informing the Suns that Dragic wouldn't sign an extension this summer, agent Bill Duffy delivered McDonough and management a list of preferred trade destinations that includes the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks and Miami Heat, league sources told Yahoo Sports," Wojanrowski wrote.
Wojnarowski also added Los Angeles and New York don't have the "motivation" to trade for Dragic this season. While that seeming makes Miami the frontrunner, they're lacking in the assets department and Phoenix has already begun to explore options not included in Dragic's list.
If Miami really wanted Dragic, they'd likely have to convince a third team to become involved.
