Goran Dragic has retired from international basketball, but he might be persuaded to change his mind for the 2020 Olympics, writes Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald. After helping Slovenia capture the European championship last summer, Dragic plans a much more relaxed offseason this year.
“The people from the federation have been here in Miami; they tried to persuade me,” Dragic said. ‘We had a good meeting. I said my body at that time, I need to think about myself and my career. I gave to my country everything I had. Now it’s time to end.”
Dragic, who turned 32 last week, is hoping a few months of rest will pay off next season. He played 75 games this year, but his numbers declined across the board in scoring, assists and field goal percentage.
There’s more today out of Miami:
- Udonis Haslem appeared in just 14 games this season, but Dragic says the intangibles he provides makes him worth a roster spot, Jackson adds in the same story. “It’s really tough to explain to people outside what he means to this team,” Dragic said. “Everybody is looking, ‘OK, he’s not playing’ but they don’t know how much he brings to this team, especially with his experience and leadership. A lot of guys in this locker room need leadership like UD, especially Hassan [Whiteside]. I think UD can provide that. He’s there where usually some guys would not be, in the toughest moments, when you need something, he’s there. That’s why everybody loves him.” Haslem, who will turn 38 in June, is headed into free agency and hasn’t decided if he wants to play another season.
- Don’t expect a coaching change in Miami as long as Pat Riley remains the team president, writes Ira Winderman of The Sun-Sentinel. Erik Spoelstra is closely tied to Riley’s philosophy, Winderman notes, and the current roster probably wouldn’t fit together without him in charge.
- The Heat won’t be involved in Tuesday’s lottery, but the results could affect them for years to come, Winderman points out in a separate piece. The lottery will help determine the balance of power at the top of the East, with the Cavaliers owning the Nets’ unprotected first-rounder and the Lakers’ first pick headed to either the Sixers or Celtics. Those teams could add to their talent base or they could use a high lottery pick as a bargaining chip if the Spurs decide to trade Kawhi Leonard.
Riley might offer Dragic,Winslow, and Whiteside for Kawhi and bring Lebron back to Miami. Maybe bring Jordan over and sign Smart.
Smart-Kawhi-Lebron-Olynyk-Jordan
1. Spurs ain’t taking that trade. Not at all.
2. No way that trade is even NBA legal because that is like $48 million going to SA.
3. Lebron is not coming back to Miami regardless.
4. Why would you want Jordan to block Adebayo?
5. You are not signing Smart when you are paying Tyler Johnson $19 million this year.
6. I’m sure there are more reasons, but I am tired of typing.
Speaking of Tyler Johnson making 19M. How hilarious that must be to Brooklyn. Still cant believe the Heat matched.
I think they would have been happy to give him that money. They weren’t laughing at Allen Crabbe’s deal considering they still traded for him.
His cap hit would have only been 12.5 million with the nets. I also think that considering salary cap projections at the time, it would be an ok deal right now, instead of a bit of an overpay. That being said, if Dragic gets traded, or falls off a bit, I think it’s not as bad of a deal, assuming that increases his role a bit. His role hasnt entirely been consistent, but when he is involved a decent amount he performs well
Everything from the summer of 2016 looks ridiculous now.
This is assuming they get rid of all those contracts and Adebayo can play the 4 or 5 so Jordan wouldn’t stunt his growth what so ever. Wtf was Riley thinking giving Tyler Johnson all that money? Smh
Waiters, James Johnson, Mcgruder, and the 2019 1st round pick for Kawhi and Patty Mills is probably the best offer the Heat can realistically make for Kawhi where it would make sense for both teams, but the Spurs can get better offers elsewhere
That is a better offer than the OP, but you are right in that is not strong enough. If you try something like Waiters, Adebayo, Winslow, and the 1st, then maybe you get SA’s attention, but then Miami would have to move at least two other salaries in separate deals and/or hope to find a gem or two in the 2nd round/undrafted FA market.
How does Bam play the 4? He can’t shoot, and would clog the lane with either Whiteside or Jordan there. If he could play the four, he would have done it this year next to Hassan.
Heat have no picks to give for years, and only one player (Richardson) that the Spurs may be interested in. Justise was better last year, but still has not lived up to his expectations. No deal for Kawhi exists.
Heat can trade their 2019 pick, and their 2023 pick…also, it has previously been suggested that Bam has potential as a shooter. He just didnt incorporate that this year, and they have him continuing to work on it this offseason. I personally want to see more of that before I agree with the assessment, but it is something he is going to start doing more of
Not for nothing, and I know it would never happen. But go play on the NBA trade machine. Mills-Gasoline-Kawhi for Whiteside-Winslow-Dragic actually works financially
Gasol*