NBA Rumors: Analyzing Buzz Surrounding Goran Dragic and Ray Allen
The frenzied 2015 NBA trade deadline saw 11 different deals go down before the final buzzer struck. Even though the All-Star break has since concluded and teams are back in action, there's still a bit of a hangover in the aftermath of the madness.
Here's a quick recap, via Rachel Nichols of CNN:
Did you get that? Good, because there will likely be several more moves that we will have to adjust to before the season is over.
Even though trades have been halted until the summer, any franchise with an open roster spot can add help via free agency. Rumors are also floating around on where newly traded stars are looking to sign in the offseason.
Here's a look at two interesting pieces of gossip from around the Web.
Ray Allen
Speaking of players the Cavaliers were considering adding, Ray Allen's name has surfaced of late, albeit for different reasons. The 39-year-old shooting guard hasn't played this season, but his prolific three-point shooting makes him an intriguing option for a contender looking for backcourt depth.
Well, it appears there will be no help coming, as Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reported Allen isn't expected to play this year: "Among numerous NBA executives with an interest in signing free-agent guard Ray Allen, there's a growing belief that Allen will not play in the league this season."
It's unclear as to the guard's reasoning for remaining out of the game—perhaps he was never truly intent on returning. Still, Wojnarowski added Allen had been working out but "nothing to the level that would indicate an imminent return to get into NBA playing shape."
The Cavaliers were considered to be Allen's most likely landing spot should he opt to play once again, but he never ruled other teams out of consideration. Sure, the Cavs' signing of Kendrick Perkins on Sunday, as reported by ESPN.com's Royce Young, and lack of an open roster spot could have ultimately made Allen's decision.
But regardless, his illustrious career may finally be coming to an end after accumulating 24,505 points in 18 seasons.
Goran Dragic
Goran Dragic was arguably the biggest name on the trade block leading up to the deadline. The Phoenix Suns placed a big price tag on the guard, but there was no shortage of takers. When the dust settled, the Miami Heat won the sweepstakes and earned Dragic's services.
However, Dragic's contract is equipped with a player option following this season, per Spotrac. He's currently making $7.5 million per year, which is peanuts for his production—he's currently averaging 16.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists while shooting 50.1 percent from the floor in 52 games this season. Expect him to opt out of his contract and look for a max deal during the summer.
That scenario could conclude with Dragic finding a new home once again. In fact, Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News indicated a potential landing spot for the guard:
"A person familiar with Dragic's thinking said he "loves the opportunity" to join the Lakers and sees them as a "perfect fit" when he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer. But the Heat can sign Dragic a five-year deal worth up to $100 million, while other teams can offer up to a four-year deal worth $80 million.
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So, here's the burning question: Would Dragic consider leaving a possible contending team like the Heat in favor of a four-year deal with a rebuilding Los Angeles Lakers team recovering from several injuries?
Well, that will all depend on how much he truly wants to be in Los Angeles. Should Kobe Bryant return for another season, he'll be heavily involved in the recruiting process, which could make the Lakers rather alluring for Dragic.
