Goran Dragic to Heat: Latest Trade Details, Comments and Reaction

The Phoenix Suns have reached an agreement to trade guard Goran Dragic to the Miami Heat confirms the team's official website. 

The Heat issued a press release on the move:

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Miami HEAT President Pat Riley announced today that they have acquired brothers Goran Dragic and Zoran Dragic from the Phoenix Suns in part of a three-team trade involving the New Orleans Pelicans. Phoenix received Danny Granger and two future first round draft picks from Miami and John Salmons from New Orleans while the Pelicans received Norris Cole, Justin Hamilton and Shawne Williams from the HEAT.

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Marc Stein of ESPN.com first reported word of the deal.

Dragic expressed his excitement in joining the Heat over Twitter:

Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski reported the New Orleans Pelicans will buy out Shawne Williams' contract. 

The move doesn't come as much of a surprise, considering Dragic was heavily involved in recent trade rumors and even demanded a trade away from the Suns. He's slated to become a free agent at season's end. Dealing him allowed the Suns to get something in return before he walked away.

ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported that Miami did this deal with the intention of re-signing Dragic to a five-year maximum contract this summer.

It was the first move in a sequence of deals before the deadline, including one that brought Brandon Knight to Phoenix (per Wojnarowski), and another that sent Isaiah Thomas to Boston, per Wojnarowski.

Dragic is averaging 16.2 points and 4.1 assists while shooting 50 percent from the floor during his seventh season in the NBA. He enjoyed a nice run of form in December, averaging 20 points and 5.1 assists per contest in the month.

The 28-year-old Slovenian star has developed into a solid combo guard. He's at his best when he's the primary facilitator. It's a role he should fill regularly with his new team.

For the Heat, it's a major move as the franchise looks to hold on to a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Dragic previously said he didn't have a major preference in terms of where he played. Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle asked him about potential free-agent destinations, and the veteran replied that just the opportunity to play in the league was an honor.

"Every team in the NBA is an option to me because it is a privilege to play for any team in the NBA," Dragic said. "When the time comes, I'm going to sit down with my family and my agent and try to make the best decision for myself."

Whether the Heat will be able to re-sign him before he hits the open market is unclear. Knowing he may only amount to a rental is something that had to be considered before making the deal.

Either way, he represents a great addition in the short term. He'll provide a boost on the offensive end of the floor, both in terms of scoring and setting up his new teammates. That's especially true if he can play like he did in December.

It won't be possible to pass final judgment on the deal until Dragic's fate beyond this season is determined. The Suns were able to get something in return for him, but his exit does have a negative impact on their playoff chances in the highly competitive Western Conference.