Although things seem to be going well in South Beach, Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic reportedly still plans to test free agency after the season. With it uncertain whether Heat president Pat Riley will offer Dragic a max contract, teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks may have a better chance now of luring Dragic away as a free agent.
Things aren't going badly for Dragic in Miami. At least when compared to how things are going for point guard Rajon Rondo in Dallas. Still, according to Basketball Insiders' Steve Kyler, Dragic plans to test free agency in order to land the biggest contract he can.
"The narrative around HEAT guard Goran Dragic is that he is going to look at the marketplace this summer," Kyler wrote Thursday. "The HEAT are said to believe they have the inside track on a new deal, but it's going to cost them a ton and Goran's camp intends to maximize his next deal even if that means leaving Miami.
"The HEAT knew what they were getting into when they traded for Dragic, so none of this is below the board. Both sides have been open about what they'd like to see happen, so this one will come down to who offers the best contract and the HEAT have the means to do that and can include a fifth guaranteed year."
Dragic brought speed and a transition game with him to Miami, and it seems to be working for everybody. The 18.5 points and 5.7 assists per game he's averaging in the month of March are far better than the roughly 16.0 points and 3.6 assists he averaged this season with the Phoenix Suns.
Money seems to be what will decide where Dragic plays next. Miami appears to be the frontrunner to re-sign him, but only if Riley is willing to give him a big payday. If Riley passes on giving Dragic a max deal, Los Angeles, New York and even the Dallas Mavericks have been reported as candidates willing to pay up for the 28-year-old guard.
