Goran Dragic is one of the NBA’s more talented role players, but he did not get the opportunity to display his skills this past season while on the Toronto Raptors. After appearing in a mere five outings, he and the organization mutually agreed to go their separate ways.
This past week, ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline, Toronto unloaded Dragic to the San Antonio Spurs. A contract buyout is expected.
Dragic’s Raptors struggles notwithstanding, he has the potential to be an extremely valuable piece for a contending team.
Mind you, he is just one year removed from playing in 16 playoff outings and averaging 19 points for the 2020 NBA Finals Miami Heat squad.
Unsurprisingly, there will be a lot of suitors for him once the Spurs buy Dragic out.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, six teams are currently in the hunt for Dragic’s services.
“The San Antonio Spurs and Goran Dragic are expected to negotiate a contract buyout in the coming week, clearing the way for a formidable list of free agent suitors for Dragic that now include the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors, sources told ESPN.
“The Lakers and Warriors are planning to join several rivals, including the LA Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets, in aggressive pursuit of Dragic, sources said.
“Dragic is emerging as the top player on the buyout market with contending teams confident that he has stayed in excellent condition working out in South Florida and can contribute in short order on a new team.”
It will be interesting to see where Dragic goes from here. Obviously he is supremely talented, but he is still just a role player. As Michael Wilbon noted this week, it’s hard to see him landing with a squad like the Lakers and making a meaningful difference.
“The Lakers are done,” Wilbon said. “I’m tired of this exercise. When are they going to right the ship? Next year? The year after? They’re not righting the ship for any competitive purposes this year and Goran Dragic, who I like a lot, he can’t help them.
“If LeBron James can’t help the Lakers, then why do we think Goran Dragic could help them? He can’t, he won’t, and they’re done.”
It’s hard to argue with that rationale. Regardless of whether LA ultimately comes away with Dragic, the other guy they’re desperately trying to get or anyone else – it’s unlikely that any of these moves will really alter the trajectory of their season.
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