Goran Dragic Trade Rumors: Latest News, Speculation Surrounding Heat Guard

Joe PantornoDec 22, 2016

It's been a difficult start of the 2016-17 season for the Miami Heat, to say the least, which could lead to the team looking to sell off some of its assets, including point guard Goran Dragic.

Continue for updates.

Heat Reportedly Not Interested in Magic's Dragic Offer

Friday, Jan. 20

ESPN.com's Marc Stein reported the Heat weren't interested in the Orlando Magic's offer of a future first-round draft pick and center Nikola Vucevic for Dragic.

On Jan. 13, Zach Lowe of ESPN.com reported that "a bunch" of teams, including the Magic, contacted the Heat about Dragic but noted that Miami "can hold out for a hefty return."

Dragic Comments on Trade Rumors

Friday, Dec. 23

"It didn’t [come] from me," Dragic said, per Dan Feldman of NBCSports.com. "So, that’s not true. I totally deny that. That’s bulls--t."

Dragic, Heat Looking Are Looking for a Deal

Thursday, Dec. 22

According to Chris Mannix of The Vertical, Dragic is "open to a trade," as the Heat have already "pursued that option."

Dragic Plays Integral Role in Heat's Backcourt

Dragic was expected to help bring the Heat back into contention within the conference after they acquired him from the Phoenix Suns toward the end of the 2014-15 season.

It was the Heat's first season without LeBron James, who returned to his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers during the previous summer.

But with Chris Bosh's medical issues and the departure of Dwyane Wade during free agency, Dragic has become the centerpiece of a team riddled with inconsistency.

Neither Dragic nor teammate Hassan Whiteside has been nearly enough this season, as the Heat are 13-30.

The Heat have attempted to ship Dragic already this season. According to Mannix, a trade for Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay couldn't gain traction because Miami also wanted Darren Collison included in the deal.

Seeing as they won't be able to get anything done with Dragic leading the backcourt, it might be best for the Heat to deal the point guard while they can still get a solid return.

There will be some obstacles, though, as Dragic is owed $54.3 million over the next three seasons, per Spotrac. That's a hefty salary for any team to take on.

At 30 years old, Dragic is in danger of seeing a dip in his play over the next few seasons. His numbers this year are at an All-Star level, so Miami might want to take advantage of that as soon as possible if it wants to build a team that can get out of the cellar of the Eastern Conference.